busconews.com

by Bob Smith

Hi there.

Although we all have a general concept of what a weed is, it is sometimes hard to determine whether a particular plant is a weed or not.  Some crop plants may become weeds when they appear where they are not wanted.  On the other hand, a number of plants usually thought of as weeds may actually be useful under some conditions, or in some areas.  They may help to control soil erosion, or may serve as foods for desired wild birds and animals, when planted in the right place.

With these points in mind, we can define a WEED as a plant, not intentionally sown; whose undesirable traits outweigh its good points.  This definition eliminates the many plants – often native – that grow, uncultivated in any locality, but seldom have “weedy tendencies.” They are not aggressive enough to be troublesome in cropland or pasture.  Since they do not interfere with agricultural production, they may be allowed to grow undisturbed.  In fact, many of these plants have such interesting habits that they are well-worth preserving.  

Milkweed, is an agricultural weed that we allow limited space to grow in, since the Monarch Butterfly, that winters in a mountain area of Southern Mexico, is allowed to  grow in Judy’s flower gardens, because some beautiful Monarchs lay their eggs on our milkweed – during the annual summer migration from Southern Mexico to, and beyond this area and over the Great Lakes into Canada.  Their annual journey lasts through five generations of beautiful Monarch life, and we admire them.  We do try to cut off the flowers before seeds are produced, they also multiply by root growth.

Weeds reduce crop (flower, or vegetable) yields by depriving our beloved crops of water, light, and soil nutrients they need. If weeds are present at crop maturity, they may cause harvesting problems.  Weeds often serve as hosts for crop diseases, and they may provide a place for insects attacking crop plants to over-winter.  Some weeds detract from the quality of crops and of animal products.

Wild garlic, for example, reduces the value of wheat, and taints the milk of cows that graze it.  Farm animals may become ill, and sometimes die from eating poisonous weeds.  Thousands of people who suffer from hay fever can attest to the annoyance caused by the pollen from many plants, especially ragweed.  Gardeners detest weeds because they are not what the gardener wants to grow in that area, they are ugly, they don’t grow in neat rows, and they don’t taste good – regardless of how prepared!

If you are new to gardening, how do you know which plants are weeds, and which are those you planted and want to grow and prosper?  Purchased seeds packets often have pictures of what the mature plant will look like.  Your County Extension Office has available literature, advice, and knowledge, and public classes, available to you in person, by telephone call, Internet request, or by a personal visit, about any gardening question.  www.plantright.org offers a lot of information on potentially invasive problem plants.  If you use herbicides, always re-read and follow the instructions before each use!!  Don’t harm nearby desired plants!!

Information about gardening is available to all residents, nearly always without charge.  Local, State, and Federal taxes support the efforts of each Extension Office, and they are happy to provide information about gardening, farming, and healthy life styles to all.  They welcome the opportunity to serve the public, and I applaud them, and am happy and proud to have worked with them.  .  .  good gardening