diff --git a/code/__DEFINES/xeno.dm b/code/__DEFINES/xeno.dm
index 7741beecedef..4b45c660feab 100644
--- a/code/__DEFINES/xeno.dm
+++ b/code/__DEFINES/xeno.dm
@@ -132,6 +132,7 @@
 // Weed defines
 #define WEED_LEVEL_WEAK 0
 #define WEED_LEVEL_STANDARD  1.5
+#define WEED_LEVEL_HARDY 1.6
 #define WEED_LEVEL_HIVE   4
 
 #define WEED_RANGE_STANDARD  3
diff --git a/code/modules/cm_aliens/weeds.dm b/code/modules/cm_aliens/weeds.dm
index 0be2220994d8..755e4de2d954 100644
--- a/code/modules/cm_aliens/weeds.dm
+++ b/code/modules/cm_aliens/weeds.dm
@@ -521,7 +521,7 @@
 
 	if(X)
 		add_hiddenprint(X)
-		weed_strength = X.weed_level
+		weed_strength = max(weed_strength, X.weed_level)
 		if (weed_strength < WEED_LEVEL_STANDARD)
 			weed_strength = WEED_LEVEL_STANDARD
 
diff --git a/code/modules/mob/living/carbon/xenomorph/mutators/strains/drone/gardener.dm b/code/modules/mob/living/carbon/xenomorph/mutators/strains/drone/gardener.dm
index 0e6b7e4657d3..303e1c94692d 100644
--- a/code/modules/mob/living/carbon/xenomorph/mutators/strains/drone/gardener.dm
+++ b/code/modules/mob/living/carbon/xenomorph/mutators/strains/drone/gardener.dm
@@ -352,8 +352,8 @@
 
 /obj/effect/alien/weeds/node/gardener
 	spread_on_semiweedable = TRUE
-	block_structures = BLOCK_SPECIAL_STRUCTURES
 	fruit_growth_multiplier = 0.8
+	weed_strength = WEED_LEVEL_HARDY
 
 /datum/action/xeno_action/verb/verb_plant_gardening_weeds()
 	set category = "Alien"