Controlling weeds organically is a concept that could transform a massively destructive herbicide industry. The “war on weeds” could be a thing of the past. Is this an impossible dream when up to 80% of our food in Australia is grown with toxic herbicides, pesticides and fungicides? Perhaps it will take a lot of time, but what you can do in your own food garden is completely avoid using these chemicals. So let us focus today on controlling weeds, not with toxic herbicides, but with organic methods.
Once you are prepared to accept that weeds are not your enemy, you will then have the opportunity to understand how important weeds are for your soil fertility and how you can tap into this wonderful gift of nature to bring greater productivity to your organic garden.
Different weeds grow over time, based on the changing state of your soil. When your soil has been pushed by too much cropping and fertility is low, often inedible and prickly weeds will grow. As your garden soil fertility improves, you will find more of your “weeds” are likely to be edible. Weeds add carbon and organic matter to the soil, minerals and hold the soil together, minimising erosion. They are a vital part of the living web in bringing soil back to life.
How do you work with weeds and at the same time maximise your food garden growing space and soil fertility:
Let weeds grow so you can see what nature is giving you. If you heavily mulch your garden every day of the year, the weeds cannot reveal themselves. I am not advocating here that you (a) avoid mulching completely (just do it when moisture retention is an issue) or (b) let the weeds completely takeover your garden.
Its ideal to pick the weeds before they have seeded, but sometimes this will not be possible. With seeded weeds:
In controlling weeds organically, more effectively manage your garden layout and planting by:
As you can see, there are many methods of controlling weeds organically. Last and certainly, not least, consider eating some your “weeds”. Come along to one of our Workshops or talk to us about our Coaching service.
Authored by Peter Kearney – www. beta.myfoodgarden.com.au
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