Transform Weeds Into Fertilizer: A Gardener’s Guide

By Benedict Vanheems – July 29, 2024

Weeds are often dismissed as a gardener’s nemesis, but they can be an incredible resource for your garden. Defined as plants growing where they’re not wanted, weeds like bindweed or dandelions may be unwelcome in vegetable beds but hold hidden value. Harness their nutrients to create free, organic fertilizer that boosts your plants and enriches your soil. Here’s how to turn garden nuisances into garden allies with simple, effective techniques.


Recycling Weeds for Garden Health

Plants absorb nutrients from the soil, storing them in their leaves, stems, and roots. By repurposing weeds, we recycle these nutrients back into the soil, mimicking nature’s self-sustaining cycles. Let’s explore two practical methods to transform weeds into valuable garden assets.


1. Chop and Drop

This straightforward technique involves pulling weeds, chopping them into smaller pieces, and leaving them on the soil surface. The chopped material decomposes quickly, enriching the soil with organic matter.

Tips for Success:

  • Choose the Right Day: Chop and drop on dry days to prevent weeds from rooting.
  • Avoid Problematic Weeds: Exclude seeds and roots of perennial or creeping weeds to prevent regrowth.
  • Flexible Placement: Scatter chopped weeds anywhere in your garden to replenish nutrients.

2. Hoeing: A Quick Solution

Use a hoe to slice through annual weeds at soil level. The cut tops decompose on the surface, while the roots break down underground, adding nutrients and improving soil texture.

Pro Tip: Regular hoeing depletes the weed seed bank in your soil, reducing future outbreaks.


3. Add Weeds to Your Compost

Weeds are excellent compost material, especially green ones rich in nitrogen. Balance them with carbon-heavy materials like dry leaves or cardboard.

Dos and Don’ts:

  • Use only seed-free weeds and avoid perennial roots unless your compost pile heats to 140°F (60°C).
  • Chop or shred weeds for faster decomposition. A lawnmower works wonders for this!

4. Dry or Drown Weeds

Pernicious weeds like bindweed can be neutralized before composting.

  • Dry Them Out: Spread weeds on a sunny surface to dry completely.
  • Drown Them: Submerge weeds in water until they break down into a nutrient-rich sludge.

How to Make Weed Tea Fertilizer

Turn weeds into a powerful, nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer with this simple method.

  1. Gather Your Ingredients: Mix a variety of freshly harvested weeds, including roots, to cover a broad nutrient spectrum. For specific needs, use nutrient-specific plants like nettles (high nitrogen) or comfrey (rich in potassium).
  2. Prepare the Tea: Pack weeds tightly into a bucket and cover with water (preferably rainwater).
  3. Inoculate for Speed: Add a handful of compost or fermented material to introduce beneficial bacteria.
  4. Let It Brew: Cover loosely to allow gas to escape and let the mixture ferment for 1–2 weeks.
  5. Strain and Dilute: Remove the slop and dilute the liquid (1 part tea to 10 parts water). Use on vegetables, ornamentals, or container plants.

Super-Concentrated Fertilizer: For Long-Term Storage

For a powerful, storable fertilizer, try this method:

  1. Create a Draining Bucket: Drill holes in a bucket’s base.
  2. Pack the Leaves: Use nutrient-dense plants like comfrey, chop them, and pack tightly.
  3. Compress and Collect: Weigh leaves down with bricks. As they decompose, a thick liquid will drip into a collection vessel below.
  4. Store and Dilute: Bottle the concentrate and dilute (1 part concentrate to 20 parts water) before use.

Nurture Your Garden Naturally

By transforming weeds into fertilizer, you create a sustainable, cost-free way to nourish your garden. Whether through chop and drop, composting, or brewing nutrient-packed weed tea, these techniques ensure your plants thrive while reducing waste. Turn those pesky weeds into gardening gold!

Leave a Comment