They’ve become masters at stealing water, robbing nutrients, and generally taking over gardens since we figured out organized cultivation. They show up as both aggressive annuals and persitsnat perennials. Weeds can reproduce by seed, stolon, and root pieces. The good news is that weeds can be outsmarted. Ve have our vays.
Pre-Sprouting Weeds
One of the techniques for getting many springtime weeds out of the way right from the start is to let them sprout (often called pre-sprouting). That’s right – invite them in, offer them some coffee. Encourage them to show themselves early on in the season; then, ‘Whack! Off with their heads!” This weed control style is at its best in a vegetable garden. Pre-sprouting can be used for beds in the ground, as well as in raised beds.
Simply plant your attack by acting like you’re getting the garden bed ready to plant. Get this garden together well before you actually plan on planting vegetables for the season, say about four weeks before your true planting schedule. Add whatever amendments you’d normally put into the garden bed such as compost, garden soil, whatever. Rake the bed so it’s smooth and really inviting. Then water it regularly. It’ll only take a couple of weeks for tiny, weed heads to sprout.
These first weeds are typically annuals, but anything can show up at this point. When they’ve grown around 2″ tall, take a flat or stirrup hoe and knock them all down by scraping the soil at their feet. While the first pre-sprouting will give you an advantage, you might as well water the bed again and let more rise – just so you can take them down again. Whacking pre-sprouted weeds won’t rid you of trouble entirely, but it’s a terrific head start.
More on weed control…
Managing weeds with a light touch (part 1)
Managing weeds with a light touch (part 2)
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
Ashman Garden Cultivator (1Pack)
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Solid Build—The Ashman Garden Cultivator/Tiller is strong in construction so that it can withstand heavy work in the garden. The blade and the shaft are coupled well for deep digging and uprooting the soil from the depths. It serves the purpose of cultivation very well. Create a blooming crop and watch it blossom and reap the benefits. Sharpened Fine piercing Blade—The blades are razor sharp and are made to pierce into any kind of soil and to serve digging, loosening soil, and weeding. The blades are rust-proof and have chip-resistant coating enhancing durability. Use it to control weeds, bury crop residue in the soil, and for preparing a proper seed bed.
High-Quality Design—The thoughtful design incorporated to shape the blades in L shape helps dig deep into the soil and rip it from beneath for cultivation. This helps a lot when weeding. Dig well and plant well. The handle is made to fit in the hand well and can be held tightly to apply push and pull forces effectively. Practical Utility—The garden cultivator is made with “practical utility” as the core of its purpose. It serves all the necessary purposes when gardening. Helps mix soil, which will loosen it up, providing more nutrients for the crops.
Spearhead Shade Gardening Shovel with Steel-Reinforced Fiberglass Handle
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Reduce Digging Effort - The Spear Head Spade is the first hybrid shovel/spade, guaranteed to make your toughest digging up to 80% easier than regular shovels and spades, even in the toughest soil conditions. Ideal for landscaping and gardening.
Multi-Purpose Shovel - Spear Head Spade is a versatile tool that can be used for digging, planting, weeding, cutting, and edging. It is designed to handle tough soil and clay conditions, and can cut through roots and tough vegetation with ease.
Innovative Design - Has a unique blade design that makes it more efficient and easier to use than traditional spades. The blade is shaped like a spearhead, with a pointed tip and a curved edge that allows it to penetrate the soil more easily.
Ergonomic D-Handle - The large, cushioned D-grip offers comfort and better leverage for gloved and ungloved hands alike, reducing strain on the hands and wrists. Lightweight & Strong - Durable handle is made of special steel-reinforced, pultruded fiberglass to withstand heavy use. 60% stronger than EN-3388 shovel/spade standards, 33% thicker and 25% harder than normal shovels. Sharpened from tip to tail at a 35 degree angle for an effective and durable edge.
Corona High Performance Orchard Loppers
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Unique design greatly reduces the cutting force. Modest tool weight is maintained due to the high strength elliptical aluminum handles. Cutting blade is fully heat treated forged steel and is easy to sharpen. Hooked design features a deep sap groove which keeps the blade contact area clear. Large diameter bumpers help to reduce elbow fatigue.
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