Weeds are simply native plants that happen to be growing where you would rather have something
else grow. Although the gardener must eliminate most weeds that compete with his crop, he should not be too quick to completely destroy all of the unwanted vegetation. Many weeds actually help the farmer. Deep rooted weeds make minerals available to plants and serve as trace-element accumulators. Those with strong roots break up hardpans, letting crop plants feed in the lower depths of the soil. Weeds conserve nutrients that otherwise would leach from bare earth. They add organic matter which improves soil aeration and water holding capacity. In addition, they fiberize the soil so that the roots of plants spread out. Many serve as host plants for beneficial insect predators.