The single best prevention for weed control is mulch. Applying a thick layer of mulch, at least four inches deep, over the garden area can prevent weed growth. Mulch has other benefits as well, including moisture retention, erosion control, soil temperature moderation, disease inhibition and ornamentation.

There are several different kinds of materials that can be used as mulch. Wood products such as bark, sawdust and chips are often used as is ornamental rock. Landscape plastic and newspapers and can also be layered in garden paths to prevent weed growth.

If the gardener doesn’t use mulch, there are garden tools that are quite effective for weed control. Depending upon garden size, tillers, trimmers and hoes are used to cut down unwanted plants as they creep in. The key to adequate weed control is continual maintenance. Sometimes it seems as though weeds take gigantic leaps of growth overnight, but try not to let them get too large!

George Price Good Humor Man Copyright - 1940