It seems sometimes that for every weed we pull out of our gardens, two more appear overnight. Not only do weeds steal nutrients from our flowers and vegetables, they can also release seeds and spread very quickly. But with a few tricks and techniques, gardeners have the power to control weeds without the use of chemicals. One such technique is called weedless gardening.

Developed by former agriculture researcher and avid gardener Lee Reich, it involves a few simple steps that work with nature to keep the soil healthy and minimize weeds.  Here are a few that he outlined in an article for Mother Earth News:

• Care for the soil from the top down. To do this, simply spread soil amendments such as fertilizer and compost over the top of the soil and let them break down and work their way down into the soil. Doing this reduces the need to disrupt the soil through deep digging and rototilling, which in turn keeps weed seeds from reaching the surface and growing. However, when working with soil that is rocky, is too acidic or basic, is too compact, or has poor drainage, deep digging and tillage may be necessary until the problem is corrected.
• Keep the soil from getting too compact. To do this, simply avoid walking or using tools such as wheelbarrows and carts in areas where you’ve planted. For larger gardens, it can be helpful to create pathways.
• Cover the surface of the soil. Grass and compost coverings not only prevent weeds from growing, they also nourish the soil.

This is just a basic summary of this effective and nature-friendly technique. For more information, be sure to check out the full article at http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/weedless-gardening.aspx.

For those who would like an even more in-depth look at weedless gardening, Lee Reich also wrote an entire book on the technique. A copy of the book can be requested on the Regina Public Library’s website, and it can also be purchased online from Amazon and Chapters.

With a few simple techniques, we can enjoy a (relatively!) weed-free season!

Posting courtesy of http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/weedless-gardening.aspx

This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 27th, 2010 at 10:56 pm and is filed under Dirty Little Secrets.