In an evolving perspective on gardening, horticulturalist Jamie Walton is advocating for a shift in how we view weeds, urging gardeners to reconsider their roles within the ecosystem. Based in North Yorkshire, Walton has gained recognition for his ecological gardening methods, including his appearances on BBC’s Gardeners’ World. He has amassed a substantial following on Instagram, where he showcases his practices in a windswept kitchen garden filled with a variety of vegetables, flowers, and beneficial microbes.

In his newly released book, Nettles and Petals: Grow Food. Eat Weeds. Sow Seeds, Walton presents a comprehensive guide that aims to reshape conventional attitudes towards what are often seen as pesky invaders in the garden. He shares “accessible, easy to follow tips and guidance about growing food and gardening, working with nature rather than against it.”

Walton reflects on his own gardening journey, stating, “When I first started gardening and growing my own food, I spent a lot of time trying to eradicate weeds from my garden like most people.” His experiences have led him to research the importance of biodiversity, prompting a more nuanced understanding of weeds. He highlights that many weeds, such as dandelions and chickweed, serve vital functions in protecting and enriching soil. “They’re there to cover it, because exposed, the soil leaches nutrients, and it’s susceptible to erosion,” he explains.

Among the weeds he champions are dandelions and nettles. Walton points out that dandelions, often dismissed as weeds, offer a superior nutritional profile compared to commercially popular salad greens like rocket. He states, “They have a better nutritional profile than rocket,” and notes that various parts of the plant are edible. From the flowers – which can be used to make syrup – to the roots that can be crafted into dandelion root tea, he encourages embracing these plants in culinary pursuits.

Similarly, he promotes nettles as a powerful alternative to spinach, rich in iron and other beneficial nutrients. According to Walton, cooking or blanching nettles can easily remove their sting, making them suitable for incorporation into various dishes. He describes nettle tea as potentially having anti-inflammatory properties and mentions emerging research suggesting that nettle stings could offer relief for conditions like hay fever and arthritis.

While Walton acknowledges the benefits of many weeds, he emphasises the necessity of management to prevent them from overtaking gardens. “If you let dandelions go to seed, you’ll end up with dandelions everywhere. So you have to keep on top of managing them,” he cautions. He recommends techniques such as picking flowers before they go to seed and growing certain weeds like dandelions and nettles in pots for controlled harvesting.

However, he also warns against the growth of certain invasive species such as bindweed and Japanese knotweed, which can dominate garden spaces and outcompete desired plants. Walton states, “Some weeds I definitely wouldn’t recommend having in the garden.”

His book also addresses foraging for those without gardens, advising caution in identifying edible plants and ensuring they are gathered from clean, pesticide-free areas. He stresses, “If you’re picking wild plants, you want to make sure that you leave enough to regrow and support wildlife.”

Nettles and Petals is published by Leaping Hare Press and is now available in hardback, priced at £16.99. Walton’s fresh approach to gardening invites individuals to view the natural flora surrounding them through a lens of ecological understanding, highlighting the interconnectedness of all plants within the environment.

Source: Noah Wire Services