Getting Control of Weeds

My least favourite job in the garden is also one of the most important ones. The definition of a weed is not singular and my understanding has evolved in how one can go about defining a weed. Generally, the saying goes that a weed is a plant where it’s not wanted – or something to that effect. However, my learning has led me to focus more on the definition of noxious (or invasive) weeds; those non-native plants with aggressive growing habits that eventually displace native plants, both inside and outside of one’s garden. 

For creeping bellflower, I focus on digging out the roots as soon as I can identify it – even going so far as to print and laminate an identification sheet that I post right in the garden. With DSV, I tend to snip the plant at the base and smother the area with black plastic in an attempt to starve the plant of light, water and nutrients. Garlic mustard, being an annual, is easiest to remove but is also tends to be the most aggressive spreader in my garden. The easiest method of control is to, after a long rain, gently pull each weed from the moist soil. The roots tend to lift much more easily from the rain-soaked soil. And as with any invasive plant, put the removed plant into the garbage and never the compost. #stopthespread

I have taught other budding gardeners the importance of never letting an invasive plant or noxious weed go to seed. Being able to spot these prior to them releasing seed is critical in the long-term weed management. 

Another strategy I have focused my attention on is over planting certain aggressive native plants in an attempt for it to out-compete the unwelcome weed. I have found this an effective tool in the toolbelt in preventing the spread of many weeds. Lately, I have used native strawberry and geranium for groundcover and certain species of native aster and goldenrod to fill any spaces that would otherwise be populated by the unwanted weeds. 

The sad reality of weed management is that the job is never done. Seeds can drift into one’s property by wind or birds and then you are back at “square one.” A gardener must be vigilant and work diligently to identify troublesome weeds early on and consistently.