Weeds
We talk about everything else in the gardening world, so
we are devoting a page to the topic of Weeds. Why? Because the subject of
weeds is an important one. Granted this article is of more value to the
new gardener, but even an experienced gardener picks up a new trick or two
on occasion.
Of all the gardening tasks, weeding is the task we like
the least. It is also the most labor intensive and at times, seemingly
never ending task. But when we are done, our garden looks much better and
will thank you for it with higher production, healthier plants and a
victory garden you can be proud to show off to friends and family, or just
enjoy a quite moment by yourself.
How to Weed
When to Weed
The Value of Mulch
Weedkillers and Herbicides
How to Weed:
While there are a lot of ways to weed your garden, the
best way remains getting down on your hands and knees and pulling them by
hand or with the assistance of a small hand tool. Getting close to your
plants allows you to pull and remove weeds with minimal disruption to your
plants. And, while you are there, it affords you a closer look at your
plants. If your plant has pest or disease problems, this closer view will
allow early discovery and attention to the problems.
One final advantage is the joy and pleasure of getting
soil under your fingernails. This is a feeling only a gardener (or a kid)
can appreciate fully.
Pull even the tiniest weeds as you go through your garden.
Those tiny little ones are the monsters of the patch a week or two from
now. The weeds that are in between your plants and close to them are
robbing your plant of moisture and nutrients. More often than not, the
weed wins the battle. While some weeds can be eliminated by snipping them
at the base, most will require pulling out all of the root system. When
working close to the plant be careful not to disturb the plants root
system. Some weeds can be pulled out easily, while others break off when
you give them a tug. This is a defensive device of the plant and allows it
to survive and grow new stems and leaves. Make sure to get it all.
Use gardening tools to eliminate weeds along the rows away
from the plants. Be cautious to avoid getting too close to the roots of
your plants. Tools that scrap the soil just below the surface are good for
the middle of the rows.
Tip: Dry, sunbaked soil is often hard, making a
difficult job even more difficult. Lightly water your garden a few hours
before you weed, as the soil will be looser making the job easier.
When to Weed:
Experienced gardeners will tell you the answer to this is
every day and all the time. There is always a new weed popping up and
ruining the perfect look of your victory garden. If you are not a
perfectionist, that's okay. Most of us have more than a few weeds as we
don't have enough time for this dreaded task.
Weeding should be done early and often. Don't let the task
get ahead of you. Those little weeds that "can wait until next
week", are monsters next week and have already robbed your plants of
water and nutrients.
Weeding is better done early in the day. It is cooler for
you and a little easier on your plants as the roots are often disturbed.
Any weeds left on top of the soil will more easily dry out and die in the
hotter mid day sun.
Discard weeds on your compost pile. They will make good
compost in as little as a few weeks.
After weeding, wait a couple hours before watering. Any
pulled weeds lying on top of the soil will dry in the hot, midday sun.
The Value of Mulch:
Mulch is priceless when it comes to keeping weeds down and
saving you time. And, any weeds that poke through will be easier to pull
out. It carries the added benefit of a well kept garden look.
Whether you use organic mulch or plastic, it is very
effective. Organic mulch needs to be put down thickly to keep the weeds
down. And it needs to be re-applied regularly.
Plastic mulch on the other had, keeps all weeds out and
for a long time. But it is not environmentally friendly and returns no
nutrients beck to your soil.
Did you know? You can use paper as a mulch? Spread
it around in a few layers. You also can use leaf recycling bags. If you
pick up leaf bags in the fall from other yards, keep the bags in your shed
until spring. Add a light layer of mulch on top of the bags to cover them.
If you don't have mulch, use soil or other materials to keep the paper
from blowing around.
Weedkillers and Herbicides:
Weedkillers and herbicides are in common use on lawns, in
flower gardens and in vegetable gardens. For some applications they are
the fastest and most efficient, if not least expensive method of
eliminating weeds.
Weedkillers and herbicides are not without their
disadvantages. They are a harmful chemicals. While they may be approved by
the U.S. government for use, these chemical are not without some risk and
can be harmful to your plants, the environment, and you. This is
especially true if used incorrectly. We neither recommend use nor
abstinence from weedkillers and herbicides. We encourage common sense and
caution. If you are inclined to use them, make sure to follow the
precautions on the label and apply it correctly.
Most home gardeners do not use weed killers and herbicide
on their vegetable gardens. Following the principle "you are what you
eat", why risk harm when a little extra effort you get the same
effect. Many home gardeners state one reason they grow fruits and
vegetables is to control the quality of the food they eat.
More Information:
Common
Weeds With a really good listing of "the Enemy".
Organic
Weed Control, "Just Eat 'em" Honest to Goodness, Just Eat 'Em!!
Index
of Weeds You've met the enemy. Now you can put a name on him!
New
Jersey Weed Gallery Written by Rutgers Cooperative Extension
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