I've got a 5,000 square foot garden space that I want to get growing, but last year I was completely overrun by weeds—specifically really tall grass. This time around, I'm considering getting a 31-pound bucket of Preen to try and manage it, but I'm also thinking about just scaling down my gardening efforts to a smaller area that I can handle manually. Any suggestions for effectively tackling the weed problem?
4 Answers
Another great method is solarization! Cover your garden area with clear plastic for about 8 weeks to bake the weeds. If you don’t mind waiting, this can really help prep your ground for planting.
It might be best to start small. Try gardening in about a quarter of your area first. Once you get that plot under control, you can gradually expand. Also, keep in mind that Preen won't help with existing weeds—it's more for preventing new ones from sprouting.
I totally agree! Focusing on a smaller section can help you gauge how much effort is required to keep it weed-free. It may take a bit of time, but with patience, you’ll figure out the best approach before expanding.
I personally wouldn't recommend using Preen or any chemicals around edible plants. Instead, consider mulching heavily and hand-pulling weeds. It’s way safer and can be very effective!