How do I stop weeds from growing in my vegetable garden?
Question:I have been pulling them (and their roots, I think) constantly, but they keep growing back. I'm getting discouraged. :( I'd like to not use chemicals.
Answers:
Layer 3 sheets of newspaper (black & white print only) around your plants, and add a 3 inch layer of mulch. This will not only help in weed control, it will also help your garden retain water.
wells weetie welcome to vegetable farming!!lol..seriously weeds are an ongoing thing..seems as soona s ya ull the roots an dang weed another or 2 or 3 etc grows back..weeding is a constant chore if your gonna garden..unless you get some chemicals to apply to your garden that kills weeds... if ou are like me and dont want any chemicals then ..the hands..hoe an ulling is the only way to rid of them its quite a job..but the veggies are worth it in the end..!!
Yes...NO chemicals, please!
Have you considered mulch between the veggies?
Another, more labor-intensive way is to start next year by putting down a cloth barrier.
See the link.
Then, cut slits and plant your veggies there.
There are some "weeds" that are beneficial to your garden...check with your county extension agent to see if they can clue you in to useful weeds.
weed killer, or unfortunetely , like my husband, gets in ther on his hands and knees and picks each and every one out by the roots. a little each day, cause its hard on the back and knees. some people put plastic down before they plant, and just make a big enough hole in the plastic to fit the plant. good luck
Mulching works great. If you can't afford store bought, use the dried leaves in your yard. It will also help to keep moisture in the ground. Another cheap way, use newspapers. Lay them around plants, and place either soil, or mulch on top to keep from blowing around, and it is biodegradable, which is better than the plastic stuff. Hope this helps your weed problem, and good luck with your garden!
I weed my garden every week and it usually takes me a whoppin' 15 minutes (fairly good size garden too), last year I tried the newspaper and mulch trick, it works well 'cept where I live "earwigs" love the wet paper and it is a big attraction to them and they bite! this year I opted for landscape fabric...it costs a bit more, but I have to say it works really well! lay it on the ground cut out where the plants are and secure it with sod staples...the only weeding I do now is around the plants themselves and that is it..don't try plastic! it doesn't let water in to the plants.
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