We are a part of the web of life. We are not served by cutting the complex threads that sustain us. There is better way that insecticides, toxic hand sanitizers, anti-biotic soap, etc. What if instead of responding with fear, we found creative ways to exist compatibly with living kin?

We must stop reacting with death (from our fears) as an approach to dangers.  Slow, think, feel. Approach it as a living whole, Gaia.

For example; antibiotic soap. We are biotic! The notion that we are safer and protected by killing germs with toxins needs to be reconsidered.  Especially in light of new studies that show our own bodies to be living ecosystems that rely on a healthy and broad range of bacteria and other micro-organisms to actually be protected and healthy.  We also must consider the fallout of the toxins as they wash down the drain and mess with life all through the ecosystem.

A change of paradigm needed. When we see a spider in our house, a reaction to kill it instantly must be re-calculated.  The spider eats mosquitoes that prey on us and therefore their proximity benefits us.  This idea that humans have some right or should desire to be alone without other species in a large area is not natural, nor beneficial.  How much fuller and healthier our planet could be if we could enjoy the company of other creatures that are not harming us.

While the “germ theory” advanced us to not wallow in our own wastes, it is time now to embrace the Gaia Theory to prevent us from toxifying ourselves and the life system on earth.

Bare dirt is a strange fetish.  It’s desire for control, for neatness, for simplicity, and only having to deal with what we know.  I propose we change the paradigm to embrace the complexity of a healthy living ecosystem, a “messy” garden, the wild.

I think you should not pull a weed unless you know the weed and have a good reason to.  Now with some weeds we are just in full on “back, back”.  Here in the PNW, take morning glory or creeping buttercup or often Himalayan Blackberry.  But other weeds are not so much trouble and can be tolerated.  And really until you know what something is, and have a reason, I don’t think, killing it is the right reaction. Weeds, Spiders, People.  Not knowing and understanding can call us to knowing and understanding rather than fearing and ignorance.  Maybe you can eat it. Maybe it will die back in a month and a half on its own.  Maybe it is drawing up nutrients, fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere or holding moisture and soil.

What amazing plant has chosen to be in your life?  What plants like growing in the conditions in your garden.  Can you eat it? Most weeds are more nutritious than crops.

So hey, if a plant is really in the way of something you want to grow, work it out, maybe it has to go. But until you are ready to put something else there, leave it be. It is protecting and nourishing your soil. Bare dirt absorbs heat and bakes the life of the soil in hot sun. Water evaporates and life retreats.

I have often heard that the argument for weeding to bare dirt, is that we can’t let the weeds go to seed.  But bare dirt will always have weed seed and something will grow in it when the conditions are right. You can’t get rid of weeds by getting rid of seeds any more than you can get rid of sickness by getting rid of germs.  It is the wrong paradigm. We will lose in this battle of trying to kill everything as a solution. We must now recognize our place in the web of life and strive for healthy, diverse ecosystems for our health and well being.

Therefore as farmers and gardeners it is wiser to choose which weeds you want to live with.
Lambsquarters, Chickweed, Dandelion, Purslane, Amaranth Pigweed, Oxalis, Mallow, Sow Thistle, Clovers, Plantain, and Borage are all edible and fairly removable.  When do weeds need to be brought down and when can they co-exist?  Can perennial polycultures without tilling lead to less weeding?

And when you do weed, leave the weeds as mulch to protect and nourish the soil from where it came. Mulching and composting on site.

“Bare Breasts Not Dirt”