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ThuMar 28

National Weed Appreciation Day – March 28, 2024

Did you know that National Weed Appreciation Day is on March 28? Why appreciate weeds, you ask? It’s because some weeds are actually beneficial for us and our ecosystem. They act as nutritious food and herbs and some of them even have medicinal value. So take this day as an opportunity to go out in your garden and appreciate those weeds for the benefits they provide. 

History of National Weed Appreciation Day

The origin of National Weed Appreciation day is unknown. However, the acknowledgment of the benefits and value of weeds can be traced back to history. Dandelions, which are common garden weeds, remained an important component of traditional Chinese medicine for at least a thousand years. Dandelion roots and leaves were used as a tonic to remove toxins from the bloodstream to improve the function of the digestive system. The plants were also appreciated for their beauty and were used to make dye. 

Chickweed is another common weed despised by many, almost to the point of violence. There are many species of this awesome plant. The most common chickweed is native to Europe. The herb is rich in minerals, including copper and iron, and vitamins A, B, and C. Chickweed has a long history of use as a nutritious edible green by ancient Greeks. It was also commonly consumed in ancient Ireland.

Some weeds bloom beautifully, some are even edible, and some of them act as a fertilizer for the soil. Although the origin is unknown, the message of National Weed Appreciation Day is clear — appreciate them and try to find out about their value instead of just plucking them out.

National Weed Appreciation Day timeline

10,000 B.C.
Evolution of Weeds

Weeds evolve in response to the Neolithic agricultural revolution approximately 12,000 years ago.

1956
Society on Weed Science

The first learned society on weed science, The Weed Science Society of America is established.

2000s
Discovery of Earliest Weeds

The first weeds are discovered from an excavation 23,000 years ago at an old Israeli site known as Ohalo II.

2017
Journal on Weed Science

The publication of three WSSA journals on weed science begins.

National Weed Appreciation Day FAQs

What are the most common garden weeds?

Dandelion, common daisy, clover, and nettle are some of the most common weeds that you can find in your garden. 

 

Are weeds harmful to plants?

Certain weeds are parasitic plants, which means they use other plants as hosts to obtain nutrients, so beware of them. The catch here is to identify beneficial weeds and appreciate those. 

 

Are weeds good for soil?

Yes, they help prevent erosion and the roots of certain weeds go so deep that they are able to mine minerals from far below the surface and make them more accessible to other plants.

How to Celebrate National Weed Appreciation Day

  1. Explore the benefits

    Take this day as an opportunity to learn about the benefits that weeds provide to us and our ecosystem. Go out into your garden, take out your phone, search for the weeds growing there and read up on them. We’re sure you will find all sorts of fun information about what’s growing in your yard!

  2. Appreciate the weeds growing in your garden

    The day is a reminder to appreciate weeds. So do it by just going into your garden and looking at your yard. Perhaps, you may find out what you once thought of as a pesky weed, is actually a wonderful new surprise living on your lawn. So embrace your spontaneous flowers!

  3. Share the knowledge

    Knowledge increases in multiple ways when it is shared! Share your knowledge about weeds on social media using the hashtag #WeedAppreciationDay to educate others.

Why We Love National Weed Appreciation Day

  1. Weeds are good for us

    Weeds can be a bummer and some people aren’t thrilled with them appearing in their gardens but there are many more benefits to weeds than downsides. They act as a fertilizer for the soil, repel pests, and provide food for microbes and animals.

  2. Some weeds are beautiful

    One of the first plants to sprout in spring, with vibrant pops of yellow and downy balls of seeds — yes we’re talking about dandelions! Dandelions are typically classified as flowers, but they are perennial weeds. Dandelions add color to the drab landscape of early spring and the flower is edible.

  3. The only difference between a flower and a weed is the judgment

    A weed is just a plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered. So like numerous other plants, we don’t mind it growing in our yard!

National Weed Appreciation Day dates

YearDateDay
2024March 28Thursday
2025March 28Friday
2026March 28Saturday
2027March 28Sunday
2028March 28Tuesday

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