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
Gardzen 3-Pack 72 Gallons Garden Bag
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
High Quality Fabric - Gardzen Garden Waste Bags are made from 4.4oz/yd2 (150g/㎡) durable polypropylene fabric that can withstand heavy loads and rough handling. Please note that they should not be left out in the sun for long periods. Environmentally Friendly - These reusable yard waste bags are an environmentally friendly choice as they can be used over and over again, unlike disposable bags. The strong handles make it easy to carry the bags, even when they are full. These garden bags for debris allow you to complete your gardening tasks efficiently and effectively, while minimising waste and promoting sustainability. Large Capacity - With a height of 30 inches and a diameter of 26 inches, there is plenty of room for a large amount of garden waste. Whether it's leaves, branches or grass clippings, these yard waste containers can handle it all. A Must-Have For Gardeners - these leaf bags are an essential tool for managing garden waste and can make your gardening tasks much more efficient. The large capacity and durable construction make them ideal for storing and transporting various items. The yard bags can also be folded and stored compactly when not needed, saving valuable space.
Package Included - A great value set of 3pcs heavy duty lawn and leaf bags. 3pcs white plastic hoops. There are 2pcs double stitched webbing handles in the top and 1pc strong webbing corner handles in the bottom.
Ashman Garden Cultivator (1Pack)
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
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.
Flat Soaker Hose 75 150 FT for Garden Beds
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Consistent & Even Watering Drip Irrigation Hose: Makes use of a clog-resistant fabric cover recycled vinyl for consistent slow soaking seep throughout its entire length. Deliver water to the entire area that it covers. Only certain areas of your garden bed getting watered. For waste-free watering in garden beds and other tight spaces. Waters the base of the plants so less water-related leaf damage. Linkable Garden Soaker Hose For DIY Irrigation System: End to end connectable drip water hose, flexible versatile Above-ground or bury it below a up to 3-inch layer of mulch or soil; this fit with garden hose threads and come with rust resistant end caps that make it possible to connect multiple hoses and works well with timers.
Maneuverability And 100% Environmentally Friendly Drip Hose: Double layer design PVC Covered With Extra-Strength Fabric material protect from sun damage than rubber weeping hose; ensure the longevity of the soaker hose, which is ideal for you using it regularly through all seasons in your garden. Made of 100% environmentally friendly recycled vinyl, pass CA65 test, water is safe for ground which makes it perfect for use with vegetables, herbs, and other edible plants. Easy To Store Flat Soaker Hose: This irrigation drip hose flat design is kink-resistant, lies flat makes it a breeze to roll up and store for next season.The flat shape also makes it simple to snake under existing plant growth. One-Year Warranty on Flat Soaker Hoses: Ensure a water pressure of 40-90 psi for best results—hot water is not suitable.
Comments
Log in or create an account to post a comment.
Sign up Log in