Plant Care & Gardening Tips@ HortChat.com©

Weeding the garden

In maintaining a garden, everyone knows that the real work is weeding. Why is it that “weeds” seem to grow faster, proliferate easier and not require any fertilizer or additional pampering as opposed to the plants that we are trying to grow? It’s obvious that the vigorous intruder is content in its environment.

Weeds by definition are just misplaced and misunderstood; after all, “one man’s weed is another man’s wildflower” Nevertheless, it seems that as soon as we clear the noxious visitor and new crop comes to life almost overnight. I find certain weeds multiply faster than they dry.

As the season progresses, it is difficult to stay motivated when the ground gets hard and crusty and the relentless mosquitoes attack in swarms. When August roles around, I tend to loose interest in weeding and slowly surrender my garden to Mother Nature.

With age and an aching back creeping up on me, I try to find easier ways to weed. Although, I try not to use chemicals, I have tried a pre-emergent herbicide that is incorporated into the soil as this will thwart seed germination and contribute a little fertilizer to existing plants. For garden use you must follow manufacturer’s label instruction as to its application on listed plants and crops. It seems to help cut down on weed germination in the asparagus and flower beds but after all is said and done, the best way to control weeds is as Santa says “HO,HO, HO". Make sure your hoe is sharp and clean of caked up dirt. It will be more effective than a dull tool.

“May all your weeds be wildflowers”. –Unknown