Helpful Tips to Handle Weeds in Your Garden

The easiest way to deal with weeds is to prevent them in the first place. Take a few minutes early on, and you can save yourself hours of struggling with mature weeds later.

Follow good gardening basics

Follow good gardening basics by working plenty of organic amendments, such as compost or peat moss, into the soil. If you place appropriate plants in appropriate sites, weeds will have a tough time getting the upper hand.

Don't let a weed go to seed

If a vegetable garden or an annual flower bed has become choked with weeds, it may be best to mow and rake the area in order to prevent the weeds from producing seed heads. Later, turn under what is left of the weeds.

Mulch repeatedly

Mulch suffocates new and emerging seeds. Add a generous layer around shrubs and trees, in vegetable gardens, and in flower beds.

Get weeds while they're small

It is easier to pull newly sprouted weeds out of the garden. Mature, well-established weeds can be hard to remove.

Pull weeds after a moderate rain

Pull weeds after a moderate rain, or a few hours after watering with a sprinkler. A good soaking makes the soil moist so it is easy to remove the weeds, but not so wet that the soil leaves clumps on the tools.

Weeds multiply

Weeds multiply rapidly after a good rain, especially when the rain is followed by a warm spell. Be on the lookout for new weed sprouts.

If the weeds have taken over, you may want to use an herbicide in your ornamental beds.

• Avoid using herbicides in vegetable gardens.
• Use a pre-emergent herbicide in spring before weeds appear.
• For problem areas, consider a non-selective herbicide, which kills everything it touches.
• Be sure to follow manufacturer's instructions carefully for use and disposal of the product.