Weed Control Improves Production

Weeds must be controlled at all times. There are three main methods for controlling weeds: cultivation, mulching and weed killers (herbicides). Whether used separately or in combination, each must be used properly to provide maximum benefit. Cultivation and hand pulling are the safest and most common weed control methods used in home gardens. They are also the most time consuming, and during long vacations or busy periods weeds may overtake the vegetables.

Hoeing and cultivation must be done properly. Do not hoe or cultivate deeply. Deep tillage can damage roots of many shallow-rooted vegetables. Weeds growing very close to vegetable plants must be pulled by hand. Mechanical weeding is most effective while weeds are small, and it should be done on sunny days in relatively dry soil when weeds dry quickly. Cultivation is often the only effective means for removing established perennial weeds and grasses in the garden.

Mulching provides control of weeds that germinate from seeds each year. Organic materials such as straw or hay are most commonly available and easily used. Wetting the bales a few weeks before use will help germinate a large portion of weed seeds that may be contained in them before they are applied to the garden. Organic mulches should be maintained four to six inches deep. Paper, polyethylene plastic and aluminum foil are other materials sometimes used for mulch.

Use of herbicides is the other major form of weed control in the garden. They are more easily used in large plantings rather than in the small garden, which contains many different vegetables close together. Since there is no weed killer that is approved for use on all vegetables, close spacing in the small garden makes the use of several different herbicides difficult.

The most widely used herbicide for vegetables is DCPA, called Dacthal. It is an ingredient in many home garden weed control materials, which are available under different trade names. Since trade names differ, look at the list, of ingredients for the common name (Dacthal) or for the chemical name (dimethyl 2, 3, 5, 6-tetrachloroterephthalate).

Dacthal is available as a powder, which may be mixed and sprayed on the soil, or as a granular material that may be scattered on the soil. It is a pre-emergent weed killer. This means that it kills only germinating seeds. Therefore most established plants are not harmed. However, check the label for those plants that do not tolerate it and for proper application rates.

Another herbicide suitable for the garden is chloramben (amiben). It controls more types of weeds than Dacthal but is not suitable for use on as many different crops. Always read herbicide labels carefully, and apply them only as directed. Used properly, herbicides can ease the work of gardening, but used carelessly, they can destroy desirable plant as well as weeds.

Improving Your Garden Soil by, Barbara Perry Lawton.