Can weeds be permanently eliminated?
Written by
Tina Carter
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Though permanently preventing weeds is little more than a myth, we can achieve longer periods of control in an organic system. I have successfully maintained weed-free, nematode gardens for clients by applying corn gluten meal before fall rains, then applying a compost-enriched mulch after April rains. I did this with one client in Seattle, who safely reported 90 percent fewer dandelions after three seasons.
Pre-Emergent Solutions
- Apply corn gluten meal at 20 lbs/1,000 sq ft in early fall
- Time applications 2 weeks before soil hits 55°F
- Avoid pet access for 48 hours after spreading
Turf Maintenance
- Fertilize cool-season grasses in September/May
- Keep mower blades at 3+ inches to shade soil
- Overseed thin areas with perennial ryegrass mixes
The quality of the mulch you use can have an effect on your results. For example, a hardwood that is double-shredded will be better than straw when you have a wet climate. A gardener in Portland switched to using cedar chips and reported her weeding time went from ten hours a week to 2 hours a week. Theobromine, the compound found in cocoa mulch that smells nice to humans, can cause dogs to be poisoned if they consume the cocoa mulch.
It is encouraged to survey gardens on a once-a-week basis in peak seasons. Use a fishtail weeder to ensure total extraction of taproots. I like to teach my clients the 'twist-and-lift' method as a means of pulling weeds, although if you are not careful, pulling will often leave behind root fragments that continue to regrow. Do not put seed heads in compost piles, use dry bags. Make note of the type of weed you see so that you can make adjustments to your plan for prevention the following year.
Read the full article: How to Prevent Weeds: 12 Expert-Backed Strategies
