Weed identification
guides
Since
problem weeds tend to vary from one region to
another it is usually best to select reference books
that cover your home region as closely as possible.
Also, check with local resources such as Cooperative
Extension for bulletins about particularly noxious
weeds in your immediate area. In the US and Canada the
following guides are suggested (right).
Benefits of native weeds
Believe it or not weeds
can be a beneficial part of your garden so should not
always be eliminated. Weeds often support important
natural enemy populations such as predatory insects
and mites. In a sense they serve as "nurseries" for
these beneficial groups.
If you leave some weedy
natural areas in your landscape they will pay you back
with free pest control. Even a small area of weedy,
native vegetation will serve this purpose. Highly
invasive, non-native weeds, however, should always be
managed.
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