I've recently transitioned from raised beds to planting directly in the ground for the first time. I prepped the area by tilling it multiple times and tried to remove as much grass as possible, but it's growing back rapidly! I've attempted to use a hoe to tackle it, but I'm finding that approach really challenging. My garden is about 30'x30', and I'd love some suggestions on how to manage the grass effectively. I must be overlooking something important—help!
3 Answers
You could use herbicide for a quick fix, but I’d recommend solarizing the area if it gets plenty of sun. Just cover it with clear or black plastic and let the heat do the work over the summer. Alternatively, you can block out the light with cardboard and add a thick layer of compost or mulch on top to let nature work its magic. Just keep an eye on the grass in the meantime—pulling it out promptly can really help weaken it over the years!
Absolutely! It's tough the first year, but with persistence, you can really reduce the amount of grass in the following seasons.
Honestly, the best way to deal with grass is by hand—get some comfy gloves on and pull them out, roots and all. It sounds tedious, but you can really feel when they break off. If you do it regularly, soon enough, the bed will become much easier to manage—and you'll have less grass to contend with since you're getting at the roots!
I can see that working, but you should know that my garden space is much larger, and it’s overwhelming to handle by hand.
It can be tough, definitely! But if you can manage to keep on top of it, you'll see results over time.
One effective method is to cover the area with a tarp or weed-suppressing membrane. I have a few garden beds where weeds were a huge issue, so I put down two layers of the membrane and only cut slits to plant through. At the end of the season, I just lift the membrane. Another method that worked for me is layering cardboard and then topping it with compost—just keep it moist and after a few weeks, you can plant right through it. But hey, if it's very weedy, sometimes it's best to aim for tackling just one area perfectly before expanding!
That's a solid plan! If you're stuck this season, maybe consider using a heavy mulch on top of your plants while they’re growing to smother the grass a bit.
And remember, using that tarp for next year is a good idea to get ahead of the weed problem!
I totally hear you on wanting to keep the grass at bay while already having plants in. Pulling consistently is key, even if it's a pain!