THE DOS AND DON’TS OF WEEDING YOUR GARDEN
There are ways to outsmart every gardener’s nemesis – the weed. If you have an in-ground garden, you’re certainly familiar with those fast-growing plants that can take over the soil.
“In-ground gardens have what we call a ‘weed seed bank,’ which is years of seed deposits that have not germinated,” says Jeana Myers, a North Carolina State horticulture extension agent. “One lambsquarter plant, for example, can contribute 500,000 seeds. As you mix and turn the soil, the tiny weed seeds are moved to the surface where conditions are right for germination.” Since raised beds may be filled with soil dug from the garden or brought in, they may have fewer seeds ‘in the bank’ to start with.” Check out a few ways to make weeding easier:
DO Figure out a weeding schedule.
Practicing a weekly weed tour is a great idea, says Myers. “Many weeds grow rapidly and removing them before they go to seed is absolutely critical.” The mulberry weed, for example, can start producing copious seeds within a couple of weeks after germination.
Rely on mulch to stop weeds from sprouting.
Mulch is a thick ground covering that’s composed of organic materials such as chopped leaves, straw, and grass clippings. Its main job is to prevent weeds from getting sunlight. Apply a two-inch-thick layer to exposed ground. By keeping soil moist and cool, mulch goes a long way in keeping plants healthy.
Pull weeds after it rains.
“Weeding after a good rain when the soil is soft will allow weeds to come out easily and completely,” says Myers. “If you just pull off the tops, they will often resprout from their roots.” In dry conditions, you can give the garden a good watering to achieve the same results. “Vegetable gardens are best worked when the leaves are not wet, as the physical contact and moist conditions can damage the leaves and introduce pathogens.”
DON’T Leave a lot of space between plants.
This will help slow down the growth of weeds because they don’t do well in shade, and keeping plants close together will prevent sunlight from getting through.
Throw weeds in the compost.
Weeds that have gone to seed or that have reproductive parts in their roots shouldn’t be put into the compost. “However, if the compost pile is large enough and heats up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit for two weeks or longer, it will kill weed seeds,” says Myers. Otherwise, pile harvested weeds in a spot by themselves or place them with your landscape waste for the composting center.
Use a rototiller on weeds.
The tiller makes the soil fluffy, but it also tends to bury the weeds, planting them even deeper.