Love Your Weeds!

Dealing with weeds on the plot is a never ending battle for many growers. Here at Grow Your Own we often offer advice on how, when and why to deal with weeds because a persistent weed problem can harm crops and reduce yields. So, we’re bound to pull up weeds, but do we make enough use of them when we do? Many weeds have under-appreciated applications.

JAPANESE KNOTWEED CRUMBLE
Japanese knotweed is absolutely notorious among growers. The difficulty of removing this tangling weed from your plot is well- known so, surely, there should be some reward once you’ve gone to the difficulty of removing it? Simply follow any standard crumble recipe, but add five Japanese knotweed stalks. Depending on your recipe, you may want to use one less cooking apple and let the stalks take its place.

ROSEHIP
Also known as dog rose, the small red berries of this climbing wild rose are said to be high in vitamin C. The berries can be used to make jams, soups and even wine! However, as with all foraged foods, be careful with rosehips. Fresh or dried berries have small hairs that can irritate the mouth or throat. As a result, it’s best to eat them after they have been prepared in a soup or similar.

CHICKWEED LEAVES
Chickweed is a familiar foe for gardeners. It crops up anywhere and can be troublesome to get rid of. However, it’s got its uses too! Chickweed leaves make a great addition to salads, they can be eaten as a savoury herb, or added to sandwiches, soups and omelettes.  They’re a versatile and under- appreciated leaf and a good source of vitamin C. Isn’t it time you started making use of them?

NETTLES
Pesky stinging nettles have multiple uses. Firstly, nettle soup. For the purposes of a soup, it’s best to harvest your nettles before they flower. Harvest using gloves and wash the nettles before cooking. Secondly, young nettle leaves can pass as a spinach substitute. Harvest them using gloves. Cut the nettles, place them in a bowl with water and a few spoons of vinegar. After 15 minutes, drain this off and rinse.

DAISIES
Another good source of vitamin C, daisies are common, easily located and can make a decorative addition to salads. Once they pop up in the middle of your lawn, harvest a few and you’ll have a tasty addition to your summer salads. The leaves, roots and flowers are all edible and daisies are commonly said to have anti-inflammatory effects.

Please take care when foraging for food. Check anything you do harvest thoroughly for blemishes, rotting or anything unusual. Also, be cautious and hygiene-aware when eating foraged foods.

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