Garden Talk: Maintaining A Flourishing Garden

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• Weed Watching Starts Now, Horticulture Educator Says

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  The recent rain across Wisconsin has put gardens in a happy place with blooming flowers, vegetables and shrubs. However, along with this rich plant growth also comes the dreaded weeds.

  “This is my favorite time of year for gardening because everything looks so lush and green and full of potential and people aren’t tired of weeding yet,” Christy Marsden said.

  Marsden, the University of Wisconsin-Extension horticulture educator in Rock County, said now is the best time of the season to start weeding.

  “Getting them (out early before they can set seed will really help you out,” Marsden said.

  Weeds that are removed before their seeds set are much easier to manage. But, once the seeds fall to the ground, they become part of a seed bank, she said.

  The seeds can remain in the ground for many years. When optimum conditions hit, the seeds will begin to sprout creating a cycle that doesn’t end easily, according to Marsden.

  One way to deal with weeds is by mulching. Mulching will help keep the moisture in the soil, which in turn will help to keep the weeds out.

  According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, mulching is the process of spreading a protective layer of organic or inorganic materials over soil. It also helps to prevent soil erosion and maintain soil temperature.

  Shredded newspapers or flat pieces of cardboard can be used as mulch when placed between garden rows. Marsden said natural mulches like leaves and grass clippings can also be used for weed prevention.