Green Thumb Tuesday: Weeding as a means of leveling the growing field

Sweet flowers are slow and weeds make haste.
-  William Shakespeare

Weeding is a necessity and must become habitual if we are to coax the maximum impact from garden plots.

Abiding by the old adage, a stich in time saves nine, it is advisable to make every effort to prevent weed growth. Weeds seem to thrive even under adverse conditions, so preventitive gardening can increase the ability to control weed growth. Although it may seem easier to install a new garden and immediately start planting, a little extra elbow grease can help prevent future weeding workloads.

Organic mulch acts as a weed deterrent as well as an insulator. Organic materials include, but are not limited to, leaf compost, composted manure, and grass clippings. Be sure to lay organic mulch thick enough to discourage unwanted vegetation. Should persistent weeds manage to grow, they can be easily removed. Do not use mulches that have not been completely composted, otherwise weed seeds may survive.

For gardens without mulch, cultivation will be necessary. A rotary tiller or hoe will break up the soil. Once plants are placed in the soil, weeding must commence and with extreme prejudice. Be sure to weed consistently with dedication to keep the garden healthy and free of weeds. A steel rake can be used to uproot the weeds.

Western Pennsylvania Conservancy's Community Conservation Program partners with Garden Stewards to maintain, monitor, and organize community greening projects. Weeding is an ongoing activity in all greening projects.

Today's photo is of Pittsburgh's Gateway Center - Faith Gallo's Garden and includes Purple Coneflower (perennial), Salvia - Victoria Blue (annual), Petunia -Tidal Wave Silver (annual). Highlighted is an "out of place plant" (weed) taken just before extraction. Photo by WPC Seasonal Landscaper Jacob Yuele.

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