Why Weed?
Almost everyone hates this task, so let’s discuss some ways to make this less of a chore. It is so important to keep it under control. Not only can weeds choke out your plants, but if you let them go too long, they go to seed. Those tiny seeds from just one weed will wreak havoc on your garden for years to come if you aren’t able to pull them before they go to seed.
I know it sounds crazy, but I’m a bit addicted to weeding. I like the fact that it is so easy to see fast results. Every once in a while, stand back and look at how aesthetically pleasing the freshly weeded sections are. That will be your best motivation to finish the task.
Different Methods for Different Weeds
You will find that different weeds have different root structures. Pay attention to whether the roots grow straight down or along the top of the soil. For example, the dandelion root has a single root that grows deep into the soil. Clover, on the other hand, grows along the surface of the soil, so you don’t need to dig nearly as deep for them. Yarrow has a kind of crazy root structure. Its roots grow in many different directions, almost in crazy little clusters. Those require that you dig a circle around them with your weed puller, then twist as you pull them out. And, of course, everyone has to deal with crabgrass. This weed puller pictured below is a must-have for me in my garden, especially for dandelions and crabgrass.