Organic Weed Control

Following are a few of the most important methods available to organic gardeners to control weeds. You may need to use a combination of two or more to get a handle on persistent weeds.

Mulching

Organic mulches work against weeds by smothering them. A thick covering of organic mulch like leaves, grass clippings, straw or bark will block sunlight from the weeds, hampering their ability to perform the photosynthesis necessary for survival. Lack of sunlight interferes with chlorophyll production, and most weeds deprived of sunlight will simply wither and die. Others that do manage to survive will have weak root systems and will be easy to pull out.

For a really good weed barrier you can lay down sheets of newspaper or even cardboard underneath your chosen mulch. Barriers like these will guarantee that almost no sunlight can reach the weeds. Layers like these can be left in place for up to two years and remain effective.

At the same time, good organic mulch adds nutrients to the soil so while it will help to control weeds it will also improve the quality of your soil in time for planting the crop you want to cultivate.

Hoeing

For annual weeds, hoe at the stems just underneath the soil line. Cutting weeds down at this point will cause annuals to die fairly rapidly. Make sure you are using a swan neck or oscillating hoe for this work, as they are far more effective than regular square head hoes.

Hoeing can be really tough on your back, so take some precautions. Watch your posture and body movements. The best way to hoe is to use the tool like you are sweeping with a broom, gripping it with your thumbs pointed skyward. Don’t hack at the soil but skim through the uppermost layers, using your body weight as leverage.

Solarization

If you want to use solarization to kill your weeds you will have to leave the soil uncultivated for the six or so weeks this process takes in high summer. To prepare the ground for solarization, do as much work as you can in late spring by hoeing and pulling up weeds that have already sprouted.

To solarize your soil, soak it well before covering it with a clear plastic sheet, weighted down with rocks and covered with soil around all edges. Leave it for six weeks in the baking sun and you will find that any seedlings will have been killed by the intense heat. This can be really effective against persistent weeds that keep sprouting despite efforts to pull or hoe them out.

Corn Gluten Meal

Corn gluten meal is a byproduct of the processing of corn and is most often used as feed for livestock. Spread over an area infested with weeds, corn gluten meal acts to inhibit seed germination. It is important therefore to act before sprouting. Note too that corn gluten meal inhibits all seed germination, not just that of weeds, so it is no good for areas where you have already sown seeds. It is best used across lawns or perennials where plants and grasses are well established.

Pulling

This can be backbreaking work if you don’t have a good technique. The best way to pull weeds is to kneel comfortably on a mat and put as much weight as you can on your legs rather than holding yourself up using your back. Find a rhythm that works for you and stretch as often as you can.

Remember, if pulling weeds is your main line of defense, try to do it regularly, weekly if possible. This keeps the task from becoming too daunting and will mean you don’t need to spend hours in an uncomfortable position.

Be persistent on Organic weed control

Consistent effort is required to get and stay on top of weeds. Keep up with your mulching, hoe regularly, and pull a few weeds any time you step into your garden. If you are persistent in your efforts to rein in and control weeds you will find that these techniques are really all that is required to keep your garden beds looking their best.