Want to keep the weeds out of your garden? Time-tested natural weed prevention methods are good for you and the soil. Keep reading to learn how to prevent weeds naturally, without the use of pesticides.

 

While it may be convenient to rely on pesticides to keep your garden clean and weed-free, many pesticides come with serious drawbacks. Chemicals are harmful to soil, pollinators, and even to you. Natural weed-prevention methods have been used for thousands of years with little to no negative effects. And choosing not to use chemicals doesn’t mean you’ll have to spend hours each day removing weeds by hand. You can quickly and effectively use these methods to keep weeds from becoming a problem in your garden!

 

Straw

Straw is a great way to control weeds. By covering the ground with a thick layer of straw, you can keep weeds from growing between your plants, rows, or even places that don’t have anything planted. It’s important to use straw, not hay, as hay contains weed and grass seeds that can make your weed problem worse. While there are different types of straw such as oat straw that may occasionally have intact heads of grain attached to the stalks, it’s much less likely to be a problem.

 

If you’ve already planted or have seedlings growing in your garden or bed, spread a layer of straw approximately six inches deep. Be sure not to pat or pack the straw down – leave it somewhat loose to ensure proper airflow. Plants and soil require adequate air to grow and resist disease, and packing down the straw could potentially be problematic. However, it’s important that the straw layer is not so loose that the ground can be seen through it or weeds will grow.

 

Straw will begin to break down over time, so you can continue to add layers of straw throughout the gardening season. If you experience periods of heavy wind, significant rain, or if weeds become visible, it’s time to add more straw! Be sure to layer it loosely and tuck straw around plants to maximize straw’s ground cover abilities.  

 

 

Wood chips/mulch/sawdust

Another way to control weeds is by using mulch, woodchips, or sawdust. On it’s own, sawdust can pack together and prevent moisture and air from reaching your plants and soil. If you want to use sawdust, it’s best to mix it with woodchips or mulch. Watch this video for a demonstration on how to use sawdust in your garden.

 

Mulch can be used in the garden, although it’s better for non-till areas. Place a thick layer of mulch (approximately three to four inches) around the base of shrubs and fruit trees. Leave a ring of space around the tree trunk to ensure accessibility to air and water. Add more mulch throughout the gardening season as necessary.

 

 

Grass clippings

Grass clippings can be used much like straw. Use grass clippings directly on soil. Because grass clippings break down over time, they’re great to use around annuals or in places that you will till.

 

It’s important to use grass clippings that are free from mold. After cutting your lawn, rake the grass clippings into a thin layer – not a pile! — and let dry. Alternatively, you can immediately take fresh grass clippings and spread loosely around plants while still wet. Be sure there are no clumps or piles or the grass will mold.

 

 

Cover crops

Cover crops are plants that grow to quickly fill space in your garden, either under and around other plants, or in unplanted areas. Cover crops can be low to the ground, such as clover or buckwheat, but can also include taller plants such as oats or alyssum. When tilled and incorporated into the dirt, cover crops provide nutrients which nourish microorganisms and enrich the soil. You can choose cover crops based on the needs of your garden. If you’re planning to grow plants that want nitrogen-rich soil, plant a cover crop such as clover or peas. Even if you don’t have specific needs, cover crops are beneficial because they keep weeds down, enrich the soil, and provide benefit to microorganisms and pollinators.

 

 

Ground cloth/cover

Some crops such as strawberries or squash can be grown in ground cover. Purchase ground cloth from the garden supply store, or repurpose old tarps. Lay out the cloth on the ground you wish to plant in. Secure with garden staples, rocks, or by covering the edges of the cloth with 6-8 inches of dirt. Cut a hole slightly larger than the base of your plant. For seedlings that will grow larger (such as squash) make the hole a little bigger. Plant in the soil. You can leave as is and remove whatever weeds grow in the hole, or spread straw around the base of the plant. Layer the straw appropriately to ensure air flow and adequate moisture. 

 

Ground cloth or tarps are not as beneficial for the soil and microorganisms and may encourage disease by trapping heat and moisture. Most ground cloth is thin and may deteriorate within a single gardening season. Instead of building up and enriching the soil like straw or grass clippings, ground cloth will need to be removed from the garden and discarded, and a fresh piece of cloth used next year.  

 

 

 

Preventing weeds in your garden can be as simple as spreading a layer of straw or seeding a cover crop. Natural weed-control methods protect and nourish the soil, support beneficial organisms, and keep weeds from growing. Consider implementing these methods and see the results for yourself!