It is part of my theory and practice to leave not only a narrow band of natural plants (AKA weeds and grasses) around the garden, as a "catch crop", I leave a certain amount (carefully calculated, of course) right in with the vegetables. Some gardeners will actually plant specific veggies (ie radishes) that will either deter or attract harmful insects (I'm being kind, here - I call 'em BAD NASTY BUGS).
Rather than put more time into planting, I use the native "weeds". Many have wonderful flowers that attract pollinators - which is good for the garden, increasing production.
The criteria is, as the veggies emerge, other non-veggie plants are kept at a distance by either weeding or better yet, mulching. As soon as the veggies are big enough to hold their own, we slack off on the weeding. If we time it right, we often only weed twice or so during the growing season. One time will be for tiny plants right next to emergent veggies. The next time, which can be up to a month or more later, we go after the tall, almost blooming size "weeds"- they are actually easier and faster to remove than those little buggers. If we get to them before they bloom, we prevent seed set and thus have fewer to deal with next season. At least that's the theory...
We continue to mulch all season. Usually, we lay the pulled weeds right in the rows, where in the heat they quickly start composting. This year has been different. It has been so cool, that the plants we pull and lay out aren't dying. Many kept growing, sideways! It's been a bit more of a challenge. I did find a really good plant suppressor, though. The huge (and I'm talking over 2' across) rhubarb leaves are cut off and laid in the spaces we want to keep non-veggie plant growth to a minimum.
So when you look at the pictures of our jungle...er...garden...just know that it's all part of a carefully orchestrated, meticulously executed PLAN!!
Honest...
That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.
2 comments:
thanks for leaving a comment on my blog...I love yours! What a great garden. I am drooling and jealous! I am a terrible gardener. Much better at growing children and animals. I am putting you on my sidebar!
My weeding process goes like this: I have a small bucket and when it is full I quit. That is for on the way to the mailbox. The other part of my method is that when I spot a weed I only have to weed what I can reach. The last and final part of the method is that if I see one blooming it gets its head cut off unless it pulls out easily. Le Gillotine!
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