June 21, 2004 · Garden Review / GARDENING BASICS / weeds

Weeding the Garden

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

2 Comments

  1. Sue - February 9, 2009 at 12:54 pm

    How do I get rid of Poison Ivy without hurting the plants it grows on and around?

    One product out on the market is a foam, produced by Roundup called Weed & Grass Killer Sure Shot foam. This is a systemic that is absorbed by the plant and kills the whole plant. It works best in full hot sun. Wear gloves to remove the dead stems and bury them or put them in a garbage bag. Do not try to burn the debris as the smoke can also cause allergic problems. Glyposate (Roundup) also works but it will kill everything.

    Reply
  2. admin - February 8, 2010 at 7:40 am

    How to prevent weeds in the bushes and flowed beds and evergreen beds? Is early spring the best to apply or is that too late? Where do you get this post emergent herbicide and what it is? I have a huge 3 acres to maintain.

    I am also interested to get some information about growing green tree farm. As I mentioned on the top I have 3 acres of property which is some area is trees but I want to get rid of them and clean and raise a green tree farm either christmas trees or pine trees or any green trees that doesnt require maintenance and also looks cleaner. How much it costs and where and when do I start? Can I do that? Please advise.
    thank you for your help pl.

    The best way to control weeds is the old fashioned way-shallow cultivation. There is a pre-emergent herbicide called Treflan or Preen that provides 6-8 weeks of control in established flower beds. It is applied in spring and throughout the growing season. It prevents dormant seed from germinating but will not kill any existing weeds. There are some restrictions for use and you should follow manufacturers recommendation.
    Rgarding your tree farm, contact your local extension office or your conservation district. Ask for an extension advisor and they will direct you to the person that can help you with large scale tree production.

    Reply

Leave a Comment

Comments are moderated before publication. Keep questions specific and avoid promotional links.