Sustained

I have something of a reputation for being a chaos gardener . I think it stems from how wild my garden looks. No tidy rows, no pristine mulch paths, and definitely no golf course vibes. But despite appearances, my garden tends to outperform in a lot of ways. And I’ve come to realize: weeds aren’t the enemy. I grow mostly in raised beds, which helps with soil health and drainage, but yes, I still have weeds. My approach? I intuitively clear enough space so my young plants aren’t choked out, but after that, the rest of the “mess” stays. It may look unintentional, but it serves a lot of purposes. Weeds act as natural trap crops for bugs and small animals. That doesn’t mean I don’t suffer some pest damage...I do! But it seems to be less intense when those critters have other food options nearby. Weeds also keep your soil aerated and vibrant. Many send deep taproots that pull nutrients up to the surface, where your intentional plants can actually use them. Some even form symbiotic relation...

  During the Great Depression, one humble plant helped keep people nourished—especially in urban areas where food was scarce. It wasn’t something cultivated or bought, but a wild green that showed up uninvited in empty lots, along roadsides, and between sidewalk cracks. That plant is lamb’s quarter ( Chenopodium album ), also known as wild spinach or goosefoot , named for the distinctive shape of its leaves. Where It Grows Lamb’s quarter thrives in disturbed soil —you’ll find it in hayfields, gardens, construction sites, and neglected city spaces. It’s a resilient pioneer plant that often springs up where the ground has been recently turned or left bare. Once you recognize it, you’ll see it everywhere. How to Identify Lamb’s Quarter Leaf shape: Diamond- or goosefoot-shaped (hence the nickname) Height: Can grow up to 36 inches tall Leaf texture: Young leaves often have a pale, powdery coating (a natural wax) that rinses off easily Growth pattern: Upright...