I'm dealing with a huge quack grass problem in my vegetable garden this year. I'm based in SE Wisconsin (Zone 5b) and, after a lot of rain, my garden bed is practically overrun. It's about 15 ft x 15 ft where I grow tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers, and broccoli, plus some perennials like strawberries and rhubarb. This fall, I really want to get my garden ready to minimize weeds for next spring and summer. I've usually amended my soil with manure, compost, and ash in the spring and used tack hay for mulch, but this year I couldn't find it since everyone seems to want it now too! I'm a little hesitant about cover cropping since I've never done it before, but I want to explore my options. Any tips on what I should be doing this fall?
2 Answers
You might want to try sheet mulching! Just layer cardboard and compost this fall, then cover it with a tarp for winter. In spring, just remove the tarp, plant your veggies, and use a good amount of mulch. This method really helps to smother quack grass, making it so much easier for you come planting season!
Definitely start by tackling the weeds before they seed! Use cardboard topped with autumn leaves to suppress them. Just remember, hay can sometimes contain more weed seeds than straw, so be cautious there. It's also worth checking if your manure was hot composted, as it might also harbor seeds. I'd check the manufacturer's website for more info on the products you're using!
That hay I usually get isn't completely seed-free either, but it's been good enough for me in the past as long as I use a decent amount. Just try to inspect before use!