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Cultivating and Weeding the Garden Without Chemicals
 By
Marilyn J. Ledgerwood
Cultivating and weeding are unpleasant tasks for most gardeners.
We love the beautiful flowers and the fresh vegetables, the "end
result." First, the architect of the garden must consider the
basics of abolishing those annoying weeds. Some of the weeds are
pretty to look upon, little flowers brightly colored, such as dandelions,
makes one contemplate why we are trying to replace their splendor
with a periwinkle or petunia. However, with that idea out the window,
the gloves pulled on, the tools removed from the shed, we shall
march on to victory over the "weeds."
The very best means of controlling weeds is a sheet of black polyethylene
or organic mulch thick enough to discourage unwanted "invaders."
The weeds that are able to force their way through are easily noticed
and removed. Mulches that have not been completely composted can
create a problem. Any manure, hay or other organic material must
be composted fully before usage to make sure it contains no surviving
and active seeds to add to your problems.
Controlling Garden Weeds
Know the enemy! Knowing how they survive and spread will help you
win the battle in your garden. Discover a weed fighting strategy
that's right for your garden. Lots of practical information.
Inorganic mulches such as polyethylene rolls are sold in hardware
or garden supply stores by the yard or foot. The most common width
is 3-4 ft. In row gardens, lay the plastic between rows leaving
enough space free to plant. Alternatively, place the polyethylene
over rows with slits cut for planting. An x- shaped cut in the plastic
mulch provides just the right opening to plant directly into the
soil. Plastic helps to warm up the soil, providing a jump-start
for early gardens. Use these inorganic mulches only during the growing
season of your garden, removing them soon thereafter. Plastic is
often placed over organic mulches or may be used alone. Cover raised
beds completely with one sheet or section of polyethylene, especially
if the beds have been built to accommodate the dimensions of the
plastic.
Organic mulch includes materials such as manure, newspaper clippings,
grass clippings, leaves straw, and much more. Remember as a rule
of thumb that organic mulch is some form of material that will decompose
as nature intended, back into the soil. Tilling the organic mulch
under is very effective for most soils after the growing season.
Tilling makes it easier for the organic material to break down during
the winter, enriching the soil. The soil must have enough nitrogen
to break down these components and a good idea is to add green manure,
bloodmeal, or cottonseed meal to make decomposition more effective.
Gardens that are not mulched will need cultivation. Use a rotary
tiller or hoe to break up the soil. When the seedlings are through
the soil, start the process of weeding consistently and with dedication,
to control the weeds. This particular task is somewhat exacting,
as you do not want to injure the tiny delicate plants that emerge
very early, searching for warmth and sunshine. When you notice tiny
weeds use a steel rake and ever so easily up-root them between the
rows. If your seeds have been planted somewhat deep, you can safely
rake the entire area. Seeds that have been broadcast may be better
managed by hand.
The steel rake will work well in the row garden, with its ability
to work in very close to the plants. As the seedlings mature with
good growth the task of cultivation becomes less difficult.
The Warren hoe and the flat-bladed draw hoe work very well, however,
avoid the temptation of digging too deeply with these tools because
you might damaging tender plants. The Dutch hoe, with a blade shaped
somewhat like a stirrup, removes weeds without interrupting the
surrounding soil, chopping the unwanted plants cleanly at their
base, thus discouraging continued growth.
Rain encourages growth of weeds, and the desire to immediately
work your garden after a soaking rain. It is difficult to work in
wet waterlogged ground and there is the possibility of spreading
disease and ruining the texture of your soil if you don't let it
dry out first.
If your garden is large, a rotary tiller or cultivator with wheels
is the most practical method of removing weeds from your garden.
We will always have weeds, and the challenge of ridding our garden
of them. A true gardener enjoys the very activity of weeding. although
rest assured, they might never admit that fact.
Enjoy your dirty hands, and happy heart!
http://www.gardenguides.com/articles/weedingandcultivating.htm
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