What is a Volunteer Plant

Many gardeners may have heard of the term "volunteer plant" and wondered what it actually means. Simply put, a volunteer plant is a plant that grows in a garden without being intentionally planted by the gardener. These plants can either be a nuisance or a pleasant surprise, depending on the variety and location of the plant.

How do Volunteer Plants Grow

Volunteer plants can grow from a variety of sources, such as seeds that were dropped from a previous year's crop or plants that self-sow. They may also come from compost that was added to the soil, which can contain seeds from previous plants. In some cases, volunteer plants may also be introduced to the garden by animals or the wind.

The Pros and Cons of Volunteer Plants

One of the significant advantages of volunteer plants is that they are free and can save gardeners money on buying seeds or plants. Additionally, they can help fill in bare spots in a garden, which can be especially useful for gardeners on a tight budget. However, volunteer plants can also be a nuisance if not properly managed. They may grow in undesirable locations or compete with other plants for resources, leading to stunted growth or reduced yield.

Common Examples of Volunteer Plants

There is a wide variety of plants that can grow as volunteers in a garden, including some edible and medicinal plants. Some of the most commonly encountered volunteer plants include tomatoes, squash, melons, sunflowers, and lettuce. Occasionally, gardeners may also find volunteer herbs such as basil, parsley, and cilantro growing in their garden.

Managing Volunteer Plants

Although volunteer plants can be a mixed blessing, there are several ways to manage them effectively. One way is to ensure that any new compost added to the garden is thoroughly composted and free of seeds from unwanted plants. Additionally, gardeners can choose to leave volunteer plants in place if they are compatible with the existing plants in the garden or carefully relocate them to a more desirable location. In some cases, it may also be necessary to remove volunteer plants that are competing with other plants or growing in undesirable locations.

Conclusion

Volunteer plants can be a welcome surprise in a garden, providing free and unexpected plants to enjoy. However, gardeners must also be aware of the potential downsides of volunteer plants and manage them appropriately. With careful management, volunteer plants can be a valuable addition to any garden.