Gardening Gone Wild: Weed Control

We love plants, obviously, but when little sprouts you didn't plant pop up in your garden, take action fast! Weeds don't just ruin the look of your garden—they can steal vital nutrients from your plants. Let's take a look at some of the weeds typically found in gardens and ways you can get rid of them.

Meet the Usual Suspects: Types of Weeds

Weeds come in all shapes and sizes, but they generally fall into three categories: annuals, biennials, and perennials.

Annual Weeds

These one-season nuisances germinate, grow, produce seeds, and die all within a single growing season. Think of them as the fast and furious sprinters of the weed world. Even though the same plants won't be back year after year, these weeds can produce plenty of seeds that'll ensure a new crop next year.

Examples: Hairy bittercress, chickweed, crabgrass, purslane, spotted spurge

Biennial Weeds

These two-year troublemakers take their time. In the first year, they germinate and produce leaves. In the second year, they bloom, seed, and say goodbye.

Examples: Garlic mustard, common mullein, Queen Anne’s Lace

Perennial Weeds

The marathoners, these weeds come back year after year. They spread through seeds or sneaky root systems, making them particularly persistent.

Examples: Dandelion, Canada thistle, plantain, ground ivy (creeping Charlie)

Why Do Weeds Grow?

Weeds are the ultimate opportunists. They thrive when conditions are just right — perfect temperature, just enough sunlight, and the ideal amount of soil moisture. Bare areas in your flower beds or vegetable gardens are welcome signs to these hardy intruders. Plus, many weeds produce seeds in massive quantities, which can lie dormant in the soil for years, just waiting for the right moment to strike.

How to Keep Weeds Out of Your Garden

Non-Chemical Options to Prevent and Control Garden Weeds

Before you reach for the weed killer, you have other options to get rid of weeds. This involves keeping a close eye on your garden, taking a few preventative measures, and tackling problems before they have a chance to get out of hand.

1. Inspect Before You Plant

Check the soil ball of any new plants for sneaky weed hitchhikers. Before planting in your beds, be sure to remove any weeds that have already sprouted in your garden. Keep in mind that digging around in your garden can sometimes cause weed seeds that were hidden deep in the soil to resurface and sprout. Don't get frustrated—just pull up any new weeds as you see them.

2. Pull Weeds Early and Often

The best time to pull weeds is when they’re young and tender. Don’t wait for them to flower and set seed. And remember, weeds come out easier when the soil is moist. To make sure you're getting weeds early, it's best to give your garden a daily inspection—you'll spot those pesky weeds fast!

3. Mulch Madness

Add a 3-inch layer of mulch, such as Miracle-Gro Organic™ All Natural Mulch, to block light from reaching the soil, reducing weed seed germination. Bare soil is an open invitation for weeds, so keep it covered.

4. Raise the Stakes

Gardening in raised beds or containers can help reduce weed pressure. First, you're typically filling outdoor containers and raised beds with new soil every year. As long as you're using a quality soil, you shouldn't have weed seeds already lurking in your dirt. Second, it's harder for weeds to spread into containers and raised beds, which are higher off the ground and sometimes further away from your lawn or other areas where weeds hide. While you might still get a few seeds blowing in, it’s generally more manageable than in-ground gardening.

Using Weed Killers to Prevent and Control Garden Weeds

Sometimes, your weed problem just gets out of hand, and it's time to bring in the cavalry. When looking for herbicides, be sure to use products that are listed for use in gardens. The product label should list weeds killed, when and how to use for best results, and any application restrictions, so you can make sure you're getting a product that kills your weeds without harming your flowers, vegetables, and other plants. You can try out an organic weed killer, but read the label carefully.

1. Weed Preventer

Apply a weed preventer early in the growing season to stop weed seeds before they germinate. A pre-emergent weed killer is especially important and beneficial if you've had problems with weeds in the past or are starting a new garden.

2. Weed Control Products

For those stubborn weeds, use a weed control product that kills the weed down to the root. Natural weed killers like vinegar can work on small, unestablished weeds, but they often leave the roots intact, allowing perennial weeds to make an unwelcome comeback.

Weeds may be relentless, but with a bit of strategy and a lot of perseverance, you can keep your garden looking fabulous. Remember, early intervention is key, and a well-maintained garden is your best defense. So roll up those sleeves, grab your tools, and show those weeds who’s boss!

Happy gardening!