Life on the Margins

We can ‘bee’ thankful for weeds, sometimes…

Nettles and dandelions thriving together on the margins of the market garden

If you take a look around the market garden at the moment you will see a confetti of yellow dandelion flowers smattering the vibrant green grass which is growing ever lusher thanks to the spring sunshine and showers. It’s not often us farmers and growers talk about ‘weeds’ in a positive light, but when we take a closer look at them growing in the margins of our fields and gardens we do have much to thank them for. Whilst it is important that we keep our no dig beds weed free, many weeds, such as nettles and dandelions, are really important native species for biodiversity which is a crucial element of our organic and biodynamic growing system.

Dandelion, derived from the French ‘dent de lion’ meaning ‘lions tooth’, are synonymous with spring time in Britain and provide many different ecological functions. They are an essential early source of nectar and pollen for bees, wasps and other pollinators, including parasitic wasps such as Cotesia glomerata who carry out the critical job of controlling cabbage white caterpillars for us in the summer. Dandelion is also one of the six plants that form our all important Biodynamic compost preparations. With strong roots that penetrate the ground and open up compacted soil they are viewed, in Biodynamics, to expose the earth to the light of the sun and enable the interrelationships of nature to become fully effective.

Contrasting to the bright yellow dandelion, vivid green nettles growing on the margins of our site provide another important source of food and habitat for over 40 species of insect. Aphids that colonise nettles provide a crucial early source of food for ladybirds who then carry out the very important task of keeping aphids on our crops in check, which tend to arrive later in thespring. Nettles thrive in nitrogen rich environments, so they grow tall and lush around our compost bays which may lead to the odd stung leg, but we think it is worth leaving some to grow for all of the benefits they provide. Nettles are also a component of the Biodynamic compost preparations, being dynamic accumulators they have the ability to bring nutrients from deep in the soil up to the surface, acting as a natural accelerator for soil health and humus formation.

So, here’s to nettles, dandelions and all the plants and creatures that thrive on the margins – quietly supporting the health and balance of the whole farm.