What are weeds?
Plants we don't want, ie. totally subjective label.
Plants that create work without noticeable benefit.
Plants that often are working to improve the soil.
weed identification
In each region of America, weeds are described as a different group of trespassers, down to the individual plot's purpose and microclimate. While weeds can be frustrating and absorb much time in maintenance, there may be a new way to look at these subjectively banished varieties. For those with dogs, foxtail is a huge problem. For those with a rock-scape, bermuda grass is the ultimate menace. Be ready to create new definitions for your distinct conditions. To gain a new perspective on some of these gifts in disguise, check out Mary Lou Singleton's great article on the medicinal uses of weeds.
weeds and what to do with them.
What do we do with them?
To make choice for your situation, identify the problem. Do you want a yard that looks neat? Would you like to save time? Is your soil crummy, and ready for a little loosening. Weeds can help revitalize a derelict area if allowed to root but not go to seed. Let the work be done while you wait! It's not fast, but patience does save work and improve chances for success. Before converting to garden space, mulching for 6 - 12 months will help to reduce weed populations and further the soil condition by shading it from sun and evaporation. Some weeds can be eaten, and have been recognized by history and other cultures as having medicinal properties. Weeds are also excellent food for your composting worms, or a herd of urban chickens.
above are guidelines to get you started!