Reading Your Weeds

Weeds are more than just another problem to contend with, they can be a tool in your mission to have a beautiful lawn and garden. Some weeds arising in the same location every year can show what kind of soil they are growing in, and that knowledge can give you the knowledge you need to battle bigger issues. Once you know what issues you have with your soil, you can take measures to correct the problem or choose plants and grass types that will thrive in your yard.

For instance, if you are dealing with soil that is dense and clay-based, you might need to add organic materials or other additives to your soil before planting a garden. For soil that is waterlogged and poorly draining, some additives will also be in order, or if the soil is extremely wet you might need to install drainage or add a slope to the landscape to help the area drain better. Compacted soil, hardpan and low organic matter can all be dealt with using a combination of compost, or other additives and aeration. Knowing the underlying problems will allow you to search for the perfect solutions and options for your yard and garden.

Annual sow thistle (sonchus oleraceus) and Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) can indicate that you are dealing with a heavy clay soil.

Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) indicates that the soil in that area is either a heavy clay soil or waterlogged and poorly draining soil.

Dandelions (Taraxacum officinale), which is a major component of my back yard, signals that the soil is compacted or a heavy clay soil.

Docks (Rumex spp.) shows you that the soil is waterlogged or poorly draining.

Field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) is an indication of compacted soil and low organic content.

Mosses (Musci class) warns you that your soil is waterlogged or draining poorly.

Plantains (Plantago spp.) can be a sign of heavy clay soil or soil that is waterlogged and poorly drained.

Quackgrass (Agropyron repens) can indicate that your soil is compacted. It might have a layer of hardpan, or a crusty surface as well as a low proportion of organic material.

Silvery cinquefoil (Potentilla argentea) indicates that the soil is dry. Most often, there is a very thin layer of top soil here and the soil is acidic or has a low lime level.