What is a garden weed? 

By definition, “a weed is a plant considered undesirable in a particular situation, or a plant in the wrong place.” That means your lovely Kentucky blue grass found growing in your garden bed would be considered a weed. Likewise, your carrot, tomato plant or zinnias found growing in your lawn would be considered weeds. We have created expectations around the “perfect” lawn or garden based on the tidiness of the landscape and culturally manicured spaces.

Agronomically speaking, weeds are considered plants that are better adapted to the existing growing conditions more than the plants you prefer to see in that location. Because of their persistency, tolerance and ability to adapt to the environmental growing conditions, these plants — such as dandelion, plantains and clover — are considered weeds in our North American environment. When one species is unable to grow, dies or performs poorly, another environmental adaptive species (weed) takes its place.

The hidden benefits of weeds

The truth is, weeds are useful for a few reasons. They provide visual clues of the nutrient content in your soil, and what may be lacking or imbalanced. For example, dandelions thrive in soil with very low calcium, low humus, poor residue decomposition and iron deficiencies. Clover is an indication that nitrogen is lacking. If your garden contains many different types of weeds, that’s usually a sign that the overall fertility of the soil is unbalanced. A soil test can be helpful in pinpointing exactly what you are dealing with.

Some weeds actually add food back into the soil that our chosen plants aren’t able to. For example, clovers help bring nitrogen into the soil, which in turn feeds the surrounding crops and plants.

The best way to get rid of weeds

You may be tempted to pull weeds out, or use harsh chemicals to kill them, but these approaches don’t address the root of the problem. In addition to be ineffective, these methods can be frustrating, expensive and even harmful.

Instead, let nature do the weed control for you. Because the soil dictates what grows, the best way to control weeds is by addressing your soil’s nutrition and pH levels. Each plant species has its preferred pH range, so make sure yours supports the plants you want in your garden.

If the pH of your soil is outside the normal ideal range, plants also won’t be able to absorb nutrients and your garden won’t grow properly. That’s why it’s also important to check the pH of any fertilizers you use.

Until your soil chemistry is in balance, pulling weeds out by hand — or with an extended tool for those with mobility issues — is the best option that won’t interfere with soil biology and biodiversity.

Other helpful tips

• Apply organic vegetable compost to help balance soil density and pH.
• Avoid tilling (cultivating) in order to protect soil structure and microbiology.
• Use organic mulch when and where possible, even though this may require balancing your expectation and appreciation for the “perfect” garden.
• Be patient and supportive. If you have to remove flowering weeds such as clover, do so only after the flower has started to die. These plants help to feed our pollinating insects, especially our declining honey bee population.
• Learn more about the wonderful array of plants that are native to your area. Opting for these varieties will help minimize the risk of dealing with “weeds” in the future.

The post Weed prevention: Some surprising tips from Sunnybrook’s Grounds Department appeared first on Your Health Matters.

Rohan is an Accredited Organic Land Care Practitioner and Team Leader of Sunnybrook’s Grounds Department.  

Were you a dig in the dirt and find bugs kind of kid?

That was me, but I also learned to love the outdoors from my family. I grew up in Jamaica, and my family was involved in farming there. We had a sugar farm, livestock as well as egg and honey production. My home was separate from the farm, but from a really young age, I would go there before school every day to milk the cows and deliver milk. After school, I had to wash the bottles and get them ready for the next day before I could play with my friends. By the age of 12, I was driving a tractor. So naturally, I gravitated to farm school and got a degree in agriculture.

It’s interesting that you ended up working at a hospital.

I came to Canada in 1991, started my own landscaping business and eventually saw an opportunity at Sunnybrook. I truly believe that our landscapes enhance healing, so coming here was a chance to bridge everything and bring it to life.

You have a namesake garden at the hospital. How does it feel to see people using it?

Really good! When people enjoy our grounds, I feel they are benefiting from restorative healing because nature helps us physically and mentally.

Do you think many people know that the Rohan Harrison Garden was part of your reward for participating in the show ‘Undercover Boss’ a few years ago?

No, not at all. Someone actually told me I was arrogant for putting my name on a garden. I took a breath and explained the situation. I feel the weight of seeing my name there because I’m a behind-the-scenes person. I’d rather be in the background doing than be seen.

What does your garden at home look like?

After I leave Sunnybrook, the place I spend the most time is my backyard. It’s a respite from my daily challenges. My garden has different areas, including green space for entertaining, a water feature and vegetables. Some of my favourite things to grow are celery and kale and I put them into my daily green juice. I also have a labyrinth in my yard. I walk through it barefoot and it helps me recharge physically, mentally and spiritually.

Have you ever killed a plant? Be honest.

For some reason, I can’t grow indoor plants. My outdoor garden looks good, but when I go inside I think, what’s happening? I think it’s just a lack of care because I spend so much time outdoors.

Not everyone has a green thumb. What can be done?

There are lots of resources out there, so use them. Or ask me!

Do a lot of people already do that?

Oh yes. The two most common questions I get are how to keep grass green, and how to get rid of weeds. I really don’t mind, though, because I see education and development as part of my role. Helping people enjoy nature is really important.

The post How to live like the experts: Embracing nature and your green thumb with Rohan Harrison appeared first on Your Health Matters.