« Indicator Weeds - What's your soil up to? | Main | Your path to Success(ion Planting) »
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Good weeds, dude! ...
Okay, I know, that was "like, so last century!" - Anyway: there are actually some "weeds" that are good (so why do we call them weeds? Hmmm.). There are weeds that are edible, pest repellants, provide shelter and/or habitat for benificial organisms, "trap crops", and more. Wikipedia has a good base source of this information at this link.
Tilthproducers.org has some expanded information on this, including
"Beneficial Weeds and Insectary Plants":
"...Nectar and
pollen are important for the survival of beneficial insects when hosts
are scarce. Access to nectar and pollen sources increases the longevity
and egg laying ability of the beneficial insects and thus their
effectiveness in controlling pests.For many predators, hosts are scarce
during midsummer. When designing the system it is important to determine
when pest populations are likely to be at their peak so the main bloom
of insectary plants will attract beneficial insects at the same time. A
good strategy when using native weeds or planting insectary plants (in
the case of annuals or biennials), or those with overlapping bloom
periods (in the case of perennials) to provide flowers throughout
critical times. ..."
Link
The use of "Headlands" may be out of reach for most gardens, but the idea is intriguing enough for me to include it here:"...The rich floral diversity of this conservation headland is providing an excellent nectar source for insects which in turn provide food for birds. ..." Link
Companions to plant in with your vegetables as well as use yourself are
listed at "commongroundinpaloalto.org": "... Companions and Effects:
Basil --> Companion to tomatoes; dislikes rue intensely. Improves growth and
flavor Repels flies and mosquitoes.
Beebalm --> Companion to tomatoes; improves growth and flavor.
Borage --> Companion to tomatoes, squash and strawberries; deters tomato worm; improves growth and flavor.
Caraway --> Plant here and there; loosens soil.
Catnip --> Plant in borders; deters flea beetle.
Chamomile --> Companion to cabbages and onions; improves growth and flavor
Chervil --> Companion to radishes; improves growth and flavor
Chives --> Companion to carrots; improves growth and flavor
Dead nettle --> Companion to potatoes; deters potato bug; improves growth and flavor ..." the list goes on Link