While it’s tempting to call any unwanted plant a “weed,” there are really only a select few weeds that become invasive and problematic. And while some folks turn to dangerous chemicals, many weeds are actually resistant to herbicides and respond better to different methods of control. With these weed control techniques in your gardening arsenal, weeds won’t stand a chance!
Mulch Over Them
Mulch is a covering that blocks weed seeds from sunlight so they don’t germinate, inhibits growth underneath itself, and retains moisture. Also, mulch provides needed nutrients as it decomposes over time, and moderates soil temperatures.
- Cover the soil between your plants and along rows with mulch to prevent weeds from growing.
- Keep the mulch a few inches from the base of your plants to discourage insect invasions and prevent rot, too.
- Common organic mulches include wheat straw, shredded leaves, and wood chips, while inorganic mulches include black plastic and landscaping fabric. Layer organic mulches on the ground about 2 inches thick.
If you use leaf blowers, many come with shredders that turn yard debris into garden mulch fast to save you the costs of making or buying your own (like this shredder from Echo).
For persistent or numerous weeds, try covering the area with dampened newspaper (black ink only) and then cover with 2 inches of mulch. Around the bases of trees and shrubs, consider covering the ground with landscape fabric and then an organic mulch. See our mulching guide.
Plant Cover Crops
Cover crops, like wheat, clover, and barley, are generally beneficial plants and are capable of spreading rather easily. In some situations, you can use a cover crop to block weeds. See our list of cover crops.
Pull Them Out
For better or worse, you’ll need to manually pull out most weeds. Wear waterproof gloves and consider a comfortable sitting pad for extensive weeding. The trick to pulling weeds is to get the root out as well, since many common weeds—like dandelions—will regrow from any roots left in the ground. Weeds will slide out of the soil easier when the soil is wet and the weeds are young. Pull the weed from its base (close to the soil line); if you miss the root, try using a fork to gently pry the plant out of the ground, roots and all.
Dig Them Up
If your weeds regrow, then you have a persistent root that you need to dig out. Use a spade or digging fork to dig up persistent weeds by the roots. Remove as many root pieces as you can.
While weeding, hold the trowel vertically (like a child holding a crayon) to eliminate strain on your wrist.
Chop Them Down
If digging out weeds is too much of a hassle, at least resolve to keep them from setting seed. Chop off their heads once a week!
Minimize Soil Disruption
Gardeners used to advocate cultivation—stirring the top one or two inches of soil to damage weeds’ roots and tops, causing them to die. However, unless you are able to fully remove the roots from the soil, cultivation seems to simply expose dormant weed seeds to light and air, awakening them. Instead, it may be best to preserve the natural soil layers.
Some folks say it helps to turn your soil at night to control weeds. Research indicates that weeds may be stimulated to grow by a sudden flash of light, which is what you give them when you turn the soil over during the day. A German study concluded that by turning the soil at night, weed germination could be reduced by as much as 78 percent. You can try this method by working under a full Moon, or at dawn or dusk.
Keep Your Garden Edges Trimmed
Ever noticed many weeds collect at the edges of your yard or garden? Keep the edges mowed; this will help prevent a weed invasion.
However, many lawn mowers aren’t able to do a good job of getting to the weeds along the edges of your lawn, around posts and fence lines, and close to planting beds.
To get to those weeds more easily, consider a trimmer (like these trimmers from Echo), especially if you have medium to heavy rugged weeds that have grown in.
Reduce Open Garden Space
If your soil is rich and drains well, plant your plants closer together. This will cut down weed growth.
Start your warm weather plants as soon as you can to keep the soil from being bare for too long. At the end of the season, plant cover crops such as rye grass, winter wheat, or oats to prevent weeds from finding a home in your garden.
Let Them Grow…Temporarily
Encourage weeds to grow before you plant your garden. Lay sheets of clear plastic over your garden in early spring to warm up the soil and encourage weeds to germinate. Once the weeds are several inches above the soil, pull or hoe them out. Then plant your own crops.
Use Drip Irrigation
If you can water only the plants that need it, you may avoid the cultivation of weeds in unplanted areas, paths, and areas where they are not welcome.
Yes, some weeds—lamb’s quarters, amaranth, purslane and others—are edible when young and tender! Learn more about eating your weeds!
Know Your Enemy
Know how to identify your more invasive and destructive weeds. Check out our list of common weeds to help identify what’s growing in your garden and learn how best to get rid of it.
With these weed control techniques in your gardening arsenal, weeds won’t stand a chance!