Best Organic Ways to Eliminate Weeds
August/September 2006
Lee Reich
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Choose a mulch to match your soil and plant type: poor soil and hungry vegetables demand a nourishing mulch like grass clippings or compost, while bark or buckwheat hulls are good choices in a flower garden or on paths.
ELAYNE SEARS
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To prevent weeds from overwhelming your garden (and improve plant
and soil health in the process), follow these three easy
principles:
1. Minimize soil disruption. Countless dormant weed seeds
are buried within the soil, just waiting to be awakened by exposure
to light or air. Preserve the soil's natural layers by not turning
over the soil and keep those seeds asleep.
2. Mulch the soil surface. A layer of grass clippings,
straw, chopped leaves or other organic mulch will smother small
weed seedlings. In some situations living plants (cover crops) can
prevent weeds while also improving soil fertility.
3. Use drip irrigation. Employing drip irrigation pinpoints
where water is needed most and prevents wasteful watering, which
can lead to weed growth in paths and other unplanted areas.
For more helpful tips, read Lee Reich's book,
Weedless Gardening, available at MotherEarthShopping.com.