Our son John was horrified when he saw guys spraying our neighbor’s lawn for dandelions. They’re one of the first greens we eat in the springtime, and as with all kids, the yellow flowers are things to play with, not kill. Weeds can undoubtedly be problematic in the garden when they rob the desirable plants of valuable resources, but they’re not all bad.

Benefits of Weeds

No, we shouldn’t let them completely take over, but we might want to give weeds their own space. As always, before you consume a plant you have to be certain of its identification. Talk to a local expert to double check before you add leaves to a salad. But once you do, enjoy your weeds instead of curse them.

Here are a few examples.

Dandelions (Taraxacum officinale)

I’m a strong believer in these happy little flowers. (I do believe my father is rolling in his grave right about now.) Before you bring out the spray bottle consider these facts about dandelions: They have antioxidants that boost your immune system; Dandelions aid in bile production and digestive issues; They are high in vitamins A, C, and B complex as well as a multitude of trace minerals; They contain more protein than spinach. These few tidbits merely scratch the surface of their good qualities.

We eat dandelions in salads (the leaves a slightly bitter). When I was little I made creamed dandelion, and wanted all my siblings to try it. As I remember, it didn’t go over very well. You can also make beer, wine and jelly with the blossoms.

Chickweed (Stellaria media)

These weeds can drive a gardener a bit crazy. It forms a mat of low growing vegetation that seems to take off overnight. The good news is it’s very yummy and very good for year. Last year I spoke with Paul Wheaton (the mastermind behind permies.com), and he told me of his dining experience at The Herbfarm in Woodinville, Washington. During this very exclusive and pricey meal, chickweed salad was on the menu. Who knew many of us have a high powered green growing out of control in our own gardens?

Besides tasting good, it’s reportedly high in vitamins and minerals, and is used to treat women who suffer with fibrocystic breasts, fibroids and other female issues. It’s naturally soothing to the system. As long as you can keep it contained to some degree, it’s a valuable plant to have in the garden.

Lamb’s Quarters (Chenopodium album)

This is a relative to the strawberry spinach (Chenopodium capitatum) I allow to grow semi-wild in the garden. These weeds boast high levels of vitamin B, C and niacin. You can eat it raw in salads or braise it with other greens.

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea)

My friend LeAna thought I was nuts when I started purslane seeds one spring. She and I battled them in her garden on numerous occasions. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize how good they were at the time, or I probably would’ve brought them home. The chewy, kind of mucilaginous leaves have a lemony flavor so they work very well in salads. Not only does it taste good, purslane is good for you. It’s a powerhouse of Omega-3s, plus beta carotene so you really can’t go wrong saving some nearby.