Weeds aren't just nuisances, they're messengers. Here's what they can tell you
By JESSICA DAMIANO
Got weeds in your lawn? Me too. And although it's tempting to reach for a spray bottle, that shouldn't be our first impulse.
Believe it or not, weeds aren't just freeloaders crashing our garden party. They're messengers with important information that requires our attention. We just have to learn to speak their language.
A dandelion popping up in the lawn is there because the soil is infertile and the grass is too thin. Fertilize and sow seeds for a fuller turf, and the opportunists will move on.
Black medic is a demure, clover-like weed with small yellow flowers that's holding an invisible bullhorn, shouting, 'What's a girl got to do to get some nitrogen over here?' Check your soil's nutrients and fertilize accordingly.
Both broadleaf and buckhorn plantain won't grow unless the soil is compacted. Core aerate the lawn in spring and fall to allow water and air to circulate through it freely.
Likewise, prostrate knotweed thrives in high-traffic, compacted areas. If you have kids or a large dog running laps in the yard — or if passersby consistently cut through a portion of your lawn — chances are you have made its acquaintance. Again, core aeration is your best bet. Do it several times a year and incorporate compost to create an inhospitable environment.
Both mouse-ear and common chickweed flourish in shady spots, so cut back nearby tree branches to allow more sun to reach the soil. The lawn will appreciate the extra light, too. Common chickweed also loves cool weather, but that is out of our control.
I'm conflicted about telling you how to get rid of clover, because I don't believe you should. I actually mixed it into my lawn deliberately, and I'm not alone.
In fact, years ago, clover was a standard component of American grass seed mixes — it added a natural source of nitrogen to the soil that reduced or eliminated the need for fertilizer. But when the first weed killers were marketed to homeowners in the 1950s, clover was suddenly villainized. I wonder why.
Clover is a good guy that shows up to help when soil is lacking water or nutrients. But if you really want it gone, water and fertilize the lawn regularly.
And try to accept some imperfections. Nobody needs a flawless lawn — just a healthy one.
Jessica Damiano writes weekly gardening columns for the AP and publishes the award-winning Weekly Dirt Newsletter.
© Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Tokyo Weekender
17 hours ago
- Tokyo Weekender
The Battle of Okinawa Ends
On this day 80 years ago, the Battle of Okinawa, the final major battle of World War II, concluded. 'The Star-Spangled Banner' was played and the US flag was raised above the Tenth Army Headquarters at Camp Kuwae to mark the end of what was the largest and bloodiest conflict in the Pacific Theater. It lasted more than 80 days, and, according to the Okinawa Peace Memorial Park , resulted in more than 200,000 people losing their lives, including an estimated 150,000 civilians, though estimates vary. List of Contents: Background to the Battle of Okinawa US Troops Land on the Beaches of Hagushi Bay Hacksaw Ridge Shuri Castle Mobilizing Teenagers The End of the Resistance More From This Series Background to the Battle of Okinawa Seen as the last barrier standing between American forces and Imperial Japan, Okinawa was crucial to the success of Operation Downfall — the proposed Allied plan for the invasion of the Japanese home islands. First, though, they needed to capture Iwo Jima (now known by its prewar name, Iwo To ), as that would provide them with vital airfields to bomb Japan and protect the right flank for the Okinawa invasion. American forces landed on the island on February 19, 1945. Just over a month later, on March 26, American commanders declared the Battle of Iwo Jima over and the island secured. On the same day, Allied forces invaded the Kerama Islands, located just 40 kilometers west of mainland Okinawa, successfully capturing the small archipelago by March 29. This led to mass suicides, as civilians were reportedly brainwashed by the Imperial Japanese military into thinking it was better to take their own lives rather than risk being captured. 'American troops arrive on the beaches of Okinawa,' April 1945 | Wikimedia Commons US Troops Land on the Beaches of Hagushi Bay On April 1 — Easter Sunday — more than 50,000 American troops arrived at Hagushi Beach (also called Toguchi Beach) on the western coast of Okinawa. The majority of the soldiers who landed on the island were from the Tenth United States Army, which included divisions from both the US Army and the US Marine Corps. The unit was commanded by Lieutenant General Simon Bolivar Buckner Jr., and was the unit's first operational assignment after being formed in June 1944 at Pearl Harbor. They were expecting a brutal battle at the water's edge. However, the Japanese military decided to change its strategy, and drew the American troops inland instead. Five days after the ships arrived, Japan launched the first of a series of kamikaze attacks. It was the start of Operation Kikusui. During the Battle of Okinawa, close to 2,000 aircraft were deployed in the mass suicide attacks, leading to the deaths of thousands of sailors and the sinking of 36 Allied ships. 'American troops advance,' May 1945 | Wikimedia Commons Hacksaw Ridge The most brutal battle in Okinawa arguably took place at the Maeda Escarpment, also known as Hacksaw Ridge. A steep, jagged cliff with a network of caves, tunnels and dugouts, it served as a heavily fortified defensive position for Japan. The US attack there began on April 26 and lasted just under two weeks. Around 2,500 Americans and twice as many Japanese troops reportedly lost their lives in the fighting. The battle is most remembered for the heroic actions of conscientious objector and medic Desmond Doss. On May 5, Japanese forces rushed US troops in a surprise attack at the top of the cliff. Most soldiers quickly retreated. Doss, though, defied orders, remaining with those who were wounded. This was despite not carrying a weapon. While figures vary, Doss is credited with saving the lives of at least 75 soldiers. The following day, the US captured the Maeda Escarpment. 'US Flag raised over the Shuri Castle on Okinawa,' May 1945 | Wikimedia Commons Shuri Castle After securing Hacksaw Ridge, US troops continued their advance southward and by mid-May approached Shuri (now part of the city of Naha). It was a key location as the Imperial Japanese Army had set up its headquarters in the underground of the castle there. Despite a long, tough and deadly slog across heavily protected ridges to reach the castle, the US military managed to deliver a relentless assault once it arrived. Starting on May 25, the USS Mississippi (BB41) battleship shelled the castle for three days. With the fortress ablaze, the Japanese military began to retreat. According to one historical US military account , 'It was estimated that about 200,000 rounds of artillery and naval gunfire had struck Shuri. Numerous air strikes had dropped 1000-pound bombs on it. Mortar shells by the thousands had arched their way into the town area.' On May 29, the Confederate battle flag was raised to signify the capture of Shuri Castle. Three days later, it was removed and replaced with a US flag. 'A Marine rifleman views the result of the American bombardment of Naha. Structure skeletons are all that remain of the city with a pre-invasion population of 66,000 people.' | Wikimedia Commons Mobilizing Teenagers With the Japanese military fleeing from Shuri, noncombatant Okinawan civilians were left to fend for themselves. It's estimated that around a quarter of Okinawa's nonmilitary population lost their lives during the conflict. 'You have the Battle of Britain, in which your airmen protected the British people. We had the Battle of Okinawa, in which the exact opposite happened. The Japanese army not only starved the Okinawans but used them as human shields,' said an official of the Okinawan prefectural government. As well as adults, teenagers were also caught up in the conflict. More than 1,500 boys aged 14 and older were reportedly pushed into front-line service as Iron and Blood Imperial Corps (Tekketsu Kinnotai), while girls were made responsible for nursing injured soldiers and performing tasks that put them in the line of fire. Among these mobilized young women were the Himeyuri students, 222 girls from the Okinawa Daiichi (First) Girls' High School and Okinawa Shihan Women's School, plus 18 teachers, who were positioned on the front lines to take on life-threatening duties such as transporting ammunition and supplies to the soldiers. Few survived the war. Japanese Commanding General Mitsuru Ushijima | Wikimedia Commons The End of the Resistance On June 21, 1945, the island fell silent. After more than 80 days of bloodshed, the Japanese resistance was over. The following day, the US military declared victory in the Battle of Okinawa. In the early hours of June 23 — though some historians place the date as June 22 — Mitsuru Ushijima, the commanding general of the 32nd Army, and his second in command, Isamu Cho, committed seppuku in Mabuni, Itoman city. The anniversary of their deaths is marked by a public holiday in Okinawa known as Irei no Hi . Eighty years on, the scars from the Battle of Okinawa are still evident on the island, particularly in relation to the presence of US military bases and the strained relationship the region has with the Japanese government. Human remains from the conflict also continue to be discovered. According to Takamatsu Gushiken, a 71-year-old volunteer 'bone hunter,' the remains are still there, but the 'bones are getting smaller and smaller.' Even if uncovered, however, they rarely find their way home. The Guardian reports that the remains of about 1,400 people sit in storage awaiting DNA testing — only six have been identified and returned to their families. More From This Series Queen Arrives in Japan for First Asian Tour The JAL Mass Food Posioning Incident Eiji Sawamura Outshines Babe Ruth
Japan Today
20 hours ago
- Japan Today
Weeds aren't just nuisances, they're messengers. Here's what they can tell you
By JESSICA DAMIANO Got weeds in your lawn? Me too. And although it's tempting to reach for a spray bottle, that shouldn't be our first impulse. Believe it or not, weeds aren't just freeloaders crashing our garden party. They're messengers with important information that requires our attention. We just have to learn to speak their language. A dandelion popping up in the lawn is there because the soil is infertile and the grass is too thin. Fertilize and sow seeds for a fuller turf, and the opportunists will move on. Black medic is a demure, clover-like weed with small yellow flowers that's holding an invisible bullhorn, shouting, 'What's a girl got to do to get some nitrogen over here?' Check your soil's nutrients and fertilize accordingly. Both broadleaf and buckhorn plantain won't grow unless the soil is compacted. Core aerate the lawn in spring and fall to allow water and air to circulate through it freely. Likewise, prostrate knotweed thrives in high-traffic, compacted areas. If you have kids or a large dog running laps in the yard — or if passersby consistently cut through a portion of your lawn — chances are you have made its acquaintance. Again, core aeration is your best bet. Do it several times a year and incorporate compost to create an inhospitable environment. Both mouse-ear and common chickweed flourish in shady spots, so cut back nearby tree branches to allow more sun to reach the soil. The lawn will appreciate the extra light, too. Common chickweed also loves cool weather, but that is out of our control. I'm conflicted about telling you how to get rid of clover, because I don't believe you should. I actually mixed it into my lawn deliberately, and I'm not alone. In fact, years ago, clover was a standard component of American grass seed mixes — it added a natural source of nitrogen to the soil that reduced or eliminated the need for fertilizer. But when the first weed killers were marketed to homeowners in the 1950s, clover was suddenly villainized. I wonder why. Clover is a good guy that shows up to help when soil is lacking water or nutrients. But if you really want it gone, water and fertilize the lawn regularly. And try to accept some imperfections. Nobody needs a flawless lawn — just a healthy one. Jessica Damiano writes weekly gardening columns for the AP and publishes the award-winning Weekly Dirt Newsletter. © Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Japan Today
15-06-2025
- Japan Today
Want to grow your own rice? A step-by-step guide for adventurous gardeners
By JESSICA DAMIANO Many of us think of rice as a plant that grows in flooded fields, and that's because the kind of rice we're most familiar with — the long-grain, wetland variety called lowland rice — can be considered semi-aquatic, although it's technically a grass. Lowland rice would be challenging to grow in a home garden, but another, less common variety can be cultivated more easily in typical backyard conditions. Duborskian rice, a Russian short-grained dryland, or 'upland' rice, is a highly ornamental plant that can even be grown in containers, where its 2-foot-tall green and gold panicles will lend height and beauty to the center or rear of mixed planters. But if grown as a crop, cultivating rice from your plants can be a fun activity for adventurous gardeners. When determining how many plants to grow, consider that it takes approximately 10 plants to produce 1 pound of rice. Since each plant occupies only 1 foot of garden space, a 10-by-10-foot plot will hold 100 plants, which will yield roughly 6 to 10 pounds of rice in a season. In the absence of purchased starter plants, seeds are best sown directly into the garden in May or June in frost-free zones. Elsewhere, they should be started indoors four weeks before the danger of frost has passed. Expect seeds to germinate in five to seven days. A 24-hour water soak before sowing will hasten germination. Indoor starts are best aided by a heat mat. Four-week-old seedlings should be transplanted outdoors at the same time it's considered safe to plant tomatoes, peppers and eggplants in your region. Select a sunny spot and enrich the soil with a generous amount of compost before planting. Since the rice requires a high level of nutrients, fertilize every two weeks with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer. Space plants 1 foot apart to ensure adequate circulation between them, as they will need to be pollinated by wind. You might also surround plants with netting to protect them from birds. Keep the surrounding soil free of weeds throughout the growing season. Your rice will be ready to harvest in about 105 days. You'll know it's ready when the seed heads appear dry but haven't yet dropped their seeds. At that point, cut plants down to ground level and hang the stalks up for a few days to dry further. But that's not the end of it. Rice will have to be removed from its stalks, and each grain's tough outer shell, called a hull, will need to be removed. On commercial farms, they have equipment to do this, but since you're growing rice at home, you will have to do it manually. Tie the cut ends of the dried stalks together, then place a screen (an old window screen will do) over a wheelbarrow. Rub the seed heads against the screen until the grains fall off into the wheelbarrow. If this sounds too complicated, you can achieve the same results by beating the tied bunch of stalks onto a clean sheet that you've laid on the ground. Once the grains have been separated from their stalks, scoop them up and remove the hulls in batches using a mortar and pestle (put the kids to work!) If you don't have a mortar and pestle, you can hit them with a rubber mallet, but it's a delicate balance to remove the hulls without crushing the rice. The next step is to separate the proverbial rice from the chaff (the hulls). The easiest way to accomplish this is to use a fan to blow the light-as-air hulls away. You can't eat the hulls, but they can be added to compost piles or used as mulch. If you'd like to save rice for replanting next year, put some aside before removing the hulls; they'll need to be intact for the seeds to germinate. To enjoy the fruits of your labor, cook the grains as you would any rice and enjoy it in sweet or savory recipes. It'll be good, but not likely as good as the story you'll be able to tell about that time you grew your own rice. Jessica Damiano writes weekly gardening columns for the AP and publishes the award-winning Weekly Dirt Newsletter. © Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
