11 Weeds You Should Reconsider Pulling From Your Garden

Weeds often appear where they are not wanted, quickly taking over and choking out your favorite plants if left unchecked. Although most gardeners instinctively weed out these unwanted intruders, not all weeds are as annoying as they seem.

In fact, some common weeds may be worth saving because they can bring unexpected benefits to your garden and even your kitchen.

Here are 11 “weeds” you may want to reconsider before pulling them from your garden.

Dandelion

Dandelion is a hardy plant that thrives in a variety of environments. Often considered a common weed, dandelion actually offers many benefits. They can be eaten or used in natural remedies.

Every part of the dandelion, from the yellow flower to the roots, is edible. Green leaves can make a nutritious addition to salads, teas and other dishes.

Calendula

Calendula is a bright and cheerful plant that beautifies any garden. Plant it in early spring to enjoy its vibrant flowers from late spring to early summer.

Calendula flowers and petals can be used in cooking. Although the leaves are edible, they tend to be bitter and are usually added to salads for an extra bite.

Calendulas are easy to grow in well-drained soil and thrive in mild sun. They also help control pests and deter deer and rabbits, making them beneficial for protecting vegetable gardens.

Stinging nettles

Stinging nettles work well as a garden fertilizer. Think twice before getting rid of this weed.

Burdock

You may not know this, but burdock is commonly used in various home remedies, including teas and skincare. It is actually considered a beneficial weed.

Broadleaf plantain

Broadleaf plantain is not only edible but also has medicinal benefits. Allowing plantains to grow and die back naturally can improve the health of your soil.

For a more organized garden, cut the leaves each month and mix them into the mulch or spread them on the ground to decompose naturally.

Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)

Goldenrod blooms in late summer, providing a spectacular display of gold that attracts a wide range of pollinators. This plant is a hardy addition to any garden, thriving in a variety of conditions and supporting local wildlife ecosystems.

Wild Violets

Wild violets are tough little plants that can grow just about anywhere. These wildflowers often appear in lawns, where they are frequently killed with herbicides or by weeding.

Although some consider them annoying weeds, their distinctive blue-purple flowers and heart-shaped leaves are actually edible and a great food source for pollinators.

Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)

Bugleweed is a fast growing ground cover with attractive green, bronze and purple foliage. It suppresses weeds and spreads quickly, especially in partial to full shade.

Plant bugleweed in spring or fall, spacing plants 8 to 12 inches apart. Removing unwanted runners can control excessive growth.

Clover (Trifolium repens)

Clover makes an excellent grass substitute, improves soil fertility and attracts beneficial insects. It is one of the best ground cover plants for high traffic areas and can withstand regular mowing.

Clover is best grown from seed in early spring or fall, first preparing the soil to create fine tillage. Water regularly until seeds germinate and during dry periods.

Periwinkle (Vinca minor)

Periwinkle, or creeping myrtle, forms a dense carpet of glossy green leaves and blue or purple flowers. It establishes quickly in shady areas and requires little maintenance.

To grow a periwinkle lawn, plant young plugs about 12 inches apart in spring or fall. Water regularly and trim the outer edges to control the spread of the lawn.

Lemon balm

Lemon balm has a pleasant lemony scent that can create a lovely aroma in your garden – but a very unpleasant scent to mosquitoes.

This perennial plant can be grown in pots or directly in the ground, making it suitable for gardens of all sizes. Lemon balm can be invasive, so it’s best to plant it in a pot so it doesn’t take over your herb garden.