Use Weed Clues to Dig Up Environmental Issues Like Fertility, Soil Compaction, Moisture Issues

Winter is a good time to make garden plans, and one constant issue gardeners face every growing season is weeds. While weeds can be frustrating, they can also be saying more about a yard than you think.

Weeds can be found in a wide range of locations. Some weedy plants are more likely to be found in specific environmental conditions. These plants are sometimes called indicator species because their presence provides clues about the existing environmental conditions, such as soil compaction, acidic soil, excess moisture, dry soils, low light, and low fertility. While indicator plants can grow in other conditions, their presence might be a sign for you to investigate soil and environmental conditions.

There are two main strategies to reduce weed infestations. The first is ensuring the right plant is in the right conditions to thrive. The second is to amend the soil or conditions to create a less favorable environment for weed growth.

It is essential to identify weeds so they can be correctly controlled. Once the weed is identified, some research will provide information on its life cycle to help determine the best methods to discourage growth.

Low Fertility Plants such as the common mullein (Verbascum thapsus), plantain (Plantago spp.), and white clover (Trifolium repens) can be indicators of low fertility. A soil test is an excellent way to verify this. Low-fertility soil can be modified by adding organic matter through cover crops, compost, or organic fertilizers such as bone or fish meal.

Another option is to select plants that thrive in low fertility conditions to out-compete the weeds.

Perennials Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.) Globe thistle (Echinops ritro) Goldenrod, sweet (Solidago odora) Ornamental sage (Salvia spp.) Blanket flower (Gaillardia x grandiflora) Rattlesnake master (Eryngium yuccifolium) Yarrow (Achillea spp.)

Shrubs

American filbert (Corylus americana) Fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low’) Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)

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