All gardeners can agree on one thing: weeds are super annoying!
No matter how much we try to prevent them, weeds always seem to show up, spreading all over our gardens and ruining everything. Not only do they look messy, but they also steal water and nutrients from your plants and can even bring pests and diseases.
If left unchecked, they can quickly spread and take over your space, so it’s important to pull them before they get out of control.
But just because you’ve removed them, that doesn’t mean they’re completely useless!
In fact, there are plenty of simple and eco-friendly ways to make the most of those unwanted plants. I’ve got some expert tips on how to safely use and dispose of your weeds in ways that actually help your garden.
For instance, you could..
1. Compost Those Leftover Weeds
So, you’ve pulled a bunch of weeds and now are left wondering what to do with them. Well, if the weeds haven’t gone to seed and aren’t sick, you can actually compost them!
However, not all weeds should go in the compost.
You should stay away from weeds that spread a lot of seeds because you could end up growing more weeds in your garden later. Basically, if your weeds are about to drop seeds, give them a pass on the compost bin.
Avoid composting weeds that look diseased or have been sprayed with chemicals (those are better off in the trash).
If your weeds are healthy and safe to compost, make sure your compost pile gets nice and hot (about 140°F). This will kill any seeds hiding in the mix.
If you’re not sure whether your weeds are safe for composting, ask a local gardening expert or check with your state’s agricultural services.
It’s always better to double-check before you start composting because you’ll feel better knowing your weeds are going to good use!
Related: 5 Ways To Keep Weeds Out Of Flower Beds And Reduce Garden Chores
2. Or Simply Throw Them Away
Sometimes the best move is to just toss those weeds, but you’ve got to make sure you do it right so they don’t come back again!
If the weeds look sick, have pests, or have already gone to seed, it’s time to say goodbye.
You could dispose of them in your regular trash or take them to a landfill. Just make sure to seal them up in a bag to prevent them from spreading.
So, when in doubt, bag them up, toss them out, and keep your garden safe.
Related: Make A Super Effective Weed Destroyer With These Few Simple Ingredients
3. Use Weeds In Your Kitchen
Believe it or not, those weeds you’ve been pulling could actually end up on your plate!
Many common weeds, like dandelions, purslane, and goosefoot, are totally edible and can be added to your meals. Who knew, right?
So, you could research local wild edibles using reliable resources like field guides, local extension office websites, or identification apps.
I would recommend focusing on beginner-friendly plants that are easier to identify.
But before you start foraging, make sure you’re 100% sure of what you’re picking. Confirm with an official field guide or ask an expert to avoid any mix-ups.
Remember to always wash your plants thoroughly since wild plants can sometimes be exposed to harmful chemicals like herbicides or pesticides.
Keep in mind that some wild plants have medicinal properties, so it’s a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before using them just to be sure there are no surprises.
Related: Use These 5 Methods To Remove Weeds From Gravel And Prevent Them From Coming Back
4. Mulch Them Weeds
I know we use mulch to suppress weeds, but what if I told you we could actually use weeds as mulch? It would be like a little friendly fire in your own garden!
Lay them out as a natural weed barrier to help suppress future weed growth. Just make sure the weeds haven’t gone to seed or you could end up growing even more of them!
So, as long as your weeds aren’t producing seeds, they can serve as a great mulch that keeps your garden tidy and free of future weeds that might sneak up on you.
This also saves you a trip to the garden center!
Related: 3 Methods For Getting Rid Of Weeds From A Lawn
5. Fill Up Your Containers With Weeds
Instead of throwing those weeds away, why not put them to work in your container plants?
You could put the weeds into big pots and let them decompose for a few weeks, then top the pot with good soil (just like composting).
Still, you’ll have to make sure the weeds haven’t gone to seed or look diseased (you don’t want to risk affecting the plants you’re growing).
The next time you’re repotting, let those weeds help fill up the bottom of your container and watch your potted plants thrive!
You see, there’s nothing to worry about if you are dealing with weeds in your garden (we all do) because there are some easy ways to make use of them. I know they’re a hassle, but they can actually be helpful.
Related: Wipe Out Weeds Easily With This No-Fuss Cardboard Box Hack