Managing Weeds Organically

By Tom Zink, Horticulturalist

One of the struggles gardeners face each year is weed management. If left unchecked, weed pressure can ruin a garden fast. Weeds compete for plant nutrients and water, provide shelter for harmful insects, and can even harbor diseases that may spread to planted veggies.

This article discusses organic management methods and tools that permit weed control without resorting to harsh chemicals, thus preserving the fruits of your labor.

One of the main tools we use for large-area weed control is silage tarps. Preferably 8 mil in weight, these tarps smother out weeds in a large area. Depending on the temperature and moisture levels, these tarps can smother and kill weeds in as little as two weeks, but on average take a month or more. They can be used in conjunction with cover crop plantings as well.

Firstly, smothering out the plot with tarps, then planting cover crops, chopping the cover crop down at maturity, and smothering the cover crop mulch will not only smother out weeds, but also add fertility and organic matter to future plots. This is an excellent technique for breaking new ground.

Tarps can also be used in a plot and bed system by simply uncovering each bed individually as needed for planting and keeping the tarp over the rest.

Woven plastic mesh ground cover is used often on the Kerr Center Horticulture Farm. Vegetables are planted into it directly, and it’s also used as a preventative cover for plot borders or walkways. It is available in assorted sizes depending on function. Held in place by garden staples, this is the easiest way to control weeds in and around the garden over the long term.

On the 30″ bed system, it is typical to use the 36” wide fabrics for transplanted crops. The wider fabric eliminates the need to hand-weed or spray chemicals throughout the growing period, while also helping to regulate soil moisture. Fabric is cut to the needed length, and holes are burned into it at the desired spacing based on the crop. Unlike plastic mulch, woven fabric allows for airflow, inhibits moisture exchange, and is reusable over many seasons.

Managing weeds isn’t fun, but if the correct tools are on hand, the chore is a breeze! On the farm, an assortment of hoes is used based on the job at hand. It is easy if you weed frequently while the weeds are very small. Allowing them to develop extensive root systems makes control difficult.

 

About The Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture

The Kerr Center has been a consistent innovator and leader, the first to bring new ideas and sustainable practices to the Sooner State.

On its 4,000 acre ranch near Poteau, the center has tried out these new ideas, demonstrating the practical dimensions of sustainable agriculture– with horticulture, livestock and natural resource conservation projects.

Education has been its primary mission, through events, publications and now the web.

Since 1965, the Kerr Center has been an effective advocate for Oklahoma farmers and ranchers, for rural communities, and for a healthy, sustainable food system, from gate to plate.