This is the first post in our new series “Weekend Warriors” Many of the gardeners in Zone 9 have busy lives during the week and the majority of their gardening time happens on the weekend. This series, Weekend Warriors, is devoted to these gardeners.
Weekend Warriors – Tip 1 – Controlling Weeds
Many weekend warrior gardeners spend a good amount of their weekend time in the garden pulling and controlling weeds. This task has been the breaking point for many gardeners over the years, as the gardener spends so much time WORKING on the weed problem and so little time enjoying the garden. Here is a solution that can be implemented in one weekend:
MIXED LEAVE MULCH
Mulching a garden is an important weed control measure, but making your own mulch out of a mixed bag of leaves, including pine needles, will be even more effective. Have you ever noticed there are not many weeds in pine forests? This is because pine needles have an chemical in them that prevents seeds from germinating. This effect is not permanent nor will it be 100% effective, but will last a season or two with one application of the needles and will greatly reduce the number of weeds that grow in a garden.
What is needed?
Enough leaves to cover the garden bed with about 1/4-1/2″ of chopped or crushed dried leaves. Pine needles should be between 25-40% of the leave mixture.
How to get started.
Clear the soil of any current mulch (if leaves it can be mixed in with the new batch). Pull any current weeds (making sure to get their roots). Chop or Crush leaf mixture and add to top of soil.
Added Benifits
As the leaves begin to break down they will release nutrients into the soil. At the end of the season, the mulch can be added to a compost pile and will add nutrients as well as bulk to the new compost!
