Most Denver gardeners battle clay soil. That doesn't mean all Denver gardens have it. There are numerous ways to test soil. You can buy a test kit, do a clump test, or you can see what weeds are growing in your garden.
Weeds are just like any other type of plant. They grow where conditions are right to support them. One of those conditions is the type of soil. Here's a short, handy guide to the type of weeds that thrive in different soils.
Colorado gardeners who see chicory, thistle, buttercups or sorrel flourishing in their gardens, likely have typical Denver clay soil. When I moved into my home, my yard was filled with all of these weeds. No point in testing the soil, I guess. I'll have to amend my huge back yard a little at a time for garden usage.
Got ground ivy? Your soil is likely wet and well drained. Ground ivy isn't very common in Denver for good reason. Denver isn't known for wet weather or good drainage without soil amendment. Summers are hot and dry.
Cattails indicate wet, marshy or boggy soil. You don't see many marshes in Denver, but they do exist. Usually they're found in parks at the edge of ponds. There are a few Denver yards with cattails, but it's pretty uncommon.
Hawkweed loves dry soil. Whatever type of soil you have, if it lacks water, hawkweed may grow there. Still, it's less likely in clay soil. Sandy soil attracts hawkweed because it dries out rapidly after the rain. This makes it an ideal home for hawkweed at all times.
Clover thrives in low nutrient, heavily compacted soil. If your clay soil has been neglected, or infrequently aerated, it will support clover and bindweed. This is the point where many Denver gardeners are shaking their heads. Bindweed is a common site in the Mile High City.
It's not often people consider the benefits of weeds. Most of the time, we're just trying to annihilate them from our lawns and gardens. Before you do that this year, take the time to see what kind of weeds are growing in your Denver garden. Weeds are the ultimate free soil test kit.
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