Controlling Weeds in the Vegetable Garden

Vigorous Grass Growing Under Squash Plant

A joke around our house is that wherever we want grass to grow, we only need put a tomato plant. Indeed it seems that the best grass grows in the vegetable garden!

A few years ago we started placing old plastic tarpaulins between the rows of vegetables. This allowed a weed and grass-free path to inspect plants. This year we've expanded on this idea by laying weed block fabric over furrows and cutting openings for the plants. Any unplanted area is also covered with weed block or other plastic material. This gives us a rectangular garden area that does not need mowing. It's also a way to upcycle old tarps, awnings, and pool solar panels.  A few swipes with a weed eater around the perimeter and we're done.

A Combination of Tarpaulins and Weed Block Fabric Surround Eggplant

In addition to making garden chores so much more pleasant, the reduction in weeds and grass has resulted in larger and stronger plants.

Plastic Scraps Upcycled to Block Weeds and Grass

I post on Twitter daily about my garden activities at @gopamnc . Follow me and retweet to show your interest and comments. Thanks!😊

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