The Problem Is Often the Solution: Why I Use Weeds to Fight Weeds
When most gardeners see weeds, the first thought is:
"I've got to get rid of those."
Mine is a little different.
As The Lazy Northern Gardener, I'm always looking for ways to let nature do more of the work for me. Over the years, I've realized that sometimes the problem is actually part of the solution.
Why I Don't Throw Every Weed Away
We've been going through a stretch of hot, dry weather in Michigan. When the sun beats down on bare soil, moisture evaporates quickly, the soil heats up, and weed seeds are given another opportunity to sprout.
So instead of hauling every pulled weed to the compost pile, I often let it become part of the mulch.
The key is choosing the right weeds.
I only use weeds that:
Have not gone to seed
Aren't invasive or spreading by underground roots
Are healthy and free of disease
Then I simply lay them on the soil around my vegetables and flowers.
Nature Doesn't Like Bare Soil
One thing I've learned is that nature works hard to cover bare ground.
If we don't cover it with mulch, compost, straw, leaves—or even safe pulled weeds—nature usually covers it with...more weeds!
By letting non-seeding weeds become mulch, I'm working with nature instead of constantly fighting it.
The Benefits I've Noticed
Using pulled weeds as mulch helps me:
🌱 Shade the soil from intense summer sun
💧 Slow moisture loss between waterings - especially with sandy soil!
🌎 Feed the soil as the weeds break down
🚫 Reduce the number of new weeds that germinate
Best of all, it costs absolutely nothing.
Lazy Doesn't Mean Careless
People sometimes smile when they hear my business name.
Being a lazy gardener doesn't mean I don't care about my garden.
It means I want every job to accomplish more than one purpose.
Pulling weeds becomes mulching.
Mulching becomes watering less.
Watering less means more time enjoying the garden instead of constantly maintaining it.
That's the kind of "lazy" I'm talking about.
A Few Words of Caution
Not every weed belongs back in your garden.
Avoid using weeds that:
Have flowers that are turning into seeds
Spread aggressively through roots or rhizomes
Show signs of disease
When in doubt, leave those out.
Sometimes the Problem Is the Solution
One of my favorite sayings is:
"The problem is often the solution."
Sometimes the answer isn't buying another product.
Sometimes it's simply looking at what you already have with fresh eyes.
That little shift in thinking can save time, save money, and make gardening a lot more enjoyable.
I'd Love to Help
If you'd like to spend less time maintaining your garden and more time enjoying it, I'd love to help.
During a garden consultation, we'll walk through your garden together and look for simple, natural ways to reduce your workload while helping your garden thrive. Small changes often make a big difference throughout the growing season.
Happy gardening!
Tammy Lowe
The Lazy Northern Gardener
Here’s more on this topic:
🢂 Why I'm Mulching Everything Before This Week's Heat Wave