Texas Gardening

Weeding, while not necessarily the most enjoyable part of gardening, is essential to a healthy garden. Here, we provide a few tips to make weeding less of a chore.

1. Learn to tolerate a few weeds in the garden. Some plants that we consider weeds are not necessarily harmful or invasive. Some even have attractive flowers!

Here are a few websites to help you identify common weeds found in Texas:

http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/vegetable/watermelon/weeds_pics.htm

http://www-aes.tamu.edu/mary/Wdid.htm

2. Use a thick layer of mulch in your garden beds so that weeds can’t grow.

3. Remove weeds when they are small, being careful to remove the roots as well.

4. Weed when the ground is moist.

5. Use specialized weeding tools that are designed to remove weeds by the roots.

6. Use natural herbicides, such as corn gluten meal, that are non-toxic and safe for your family and pests.

7. Use breathable and permeable weed guards.