Weeding
Revision as of 09:05, 1 November 2012 by KVDP (talk | Contributions) (Created page with "'''Weeding''' refers to the removal of weeds. Weeding is generally done manually rather than with mechanized equipment and is also done regularly. It is differentiated from the "...")
Weeding refers to the removal of weeds. Weeding is generally done manually rather than with mechanized equipment and is also done regularly. It is differentiated from the "primary weeding". Primary weeding is done to clear huge amounts of plants, weeds ie with new agricultural fields or just after winter when the soil needs to be loosened anyway. (which is done with mechanized equipment). Mulching and the use of cover crops, aswell as other techniques as false seed beds, removing infected crops, closed seasons, paring, using clean tools are are a preventative form of weed control.
Overview of weed control methods
- Hand pull
- This is the physical removal of weeds pulled out by hand.
- Cultivate
- Scratching the surface to kill weeds with tools, hoes cut off roots at surface. Hoe weeds when young!
- Weed till
- Clear a field, water it and let the weeds sprout. Hoe them away and repeat.
- Organic Mulch
- Lay down at least 5” thick of mulch that does not have weed seeds in it such as straw. Mulch can be put around transplants or over plants like garlic, onions, and potatoes.
- Plastic mulch
- Lay down plastic and plant in poked holes. Some problems are that plastic breaks down quickly, makes a lot of trash, and blocks water.
- Plant a cover crop
- Plant a cover crop that out grows the weeds, such as summer buck wheat and vetch or winter oats, bell beans, and vetch.
- Flame weeding
- Uses a propane torch to cook the weeds.
- Drip irrigation
- For areas with long dry seasons bury your drip tape and irrigate only where needed.
- Do not let weeds go to seed
- 1 year seeds = 7 years weeds
- Use animals
- Geese are grass specialists.
- Sheep will eat everything they can reach.
- Goats will eat everything they can reach including Poison oak.