| Chickweed Stellaria media |
| Many gardeners often see Common Chickweed – Stellaria media as a nuisance weed crop due to its ability to become invasive to borders and beds quickly. It is often seen in woodlands, grasslands and town gardens and grows readily on the roadside. I used to keep chickens, and when they weren’t streamlining the garden with anything green if they ever saw Chickweed, that was one of the first weeds to go. They seemingly could never get enough of it. There are quite a few benefits to having Chickweed in your garden, though, and one of them is that it is, as a weed, an excellent indicator of the health quality of your soil and its fertility. Chickweed likes good, rich soil. When not devoured by chickens, Chickweed serves as a food source for small birds and insects, including bees and other minor pollinators and some caterpillars. For human consumption, Chickweed is a versatile ingredient. It’s perfect for a cooling summer salad and can also be cooked. Some vegetable gardeners even cultivate this weed as a crop, inspired by its culinary potential. Yes, you have guessed it: you can also make Chickweed Tea. To make this refreshing and healthful beverage, simply steep a handful of fresh Chickweed leaves in hot water for a few minutes, strain, and enjoy. Chickweed is a very beneficial weed that encourages growth in your garden. It can also act as a living mulch-like clover. In ancient times, Chickweed was a staple in gardens, grown as a potherb and used for its medicinal properties. Apothecaries often used it in salves or as a soothing agent against inflammations, connecting us to the rich history of gardening and natural remedies. For a more detailed look at the health benefits of Chickweed, check out the ‘top 10 Health Benefits Chickweed | Health Tips’ article. |
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