The Process of Weeding

The process of weeding is described as removing unwanted elements. In gardening, weeding is removing unwanted plants from the flowerbed or planting site. By removing weedy plants, it reduces competition for water, space and nutrients with desirable plants.

Types

• The life cycle of weeds can be categorized into three groups: perennial, summer annual, or winter annual. Perennial weeds must be removed completely since they come back year after year by their roots. Annuals only live for one year, normally only during that season, but can produce thousands of seeds per flower. Knowing whether the weed is broad or narrow leaf determines choosing an herbicide treatment.

Function

• Weeds are nature's way of covering bare soil and preventing soil erosion. Although the majority of weeds are beneficial plants, according to the Texas Agrilife Research, weeds are the most expensive category of agricultural pests.

Considerations

• Site preparation before planting is a necessity to control weeds. Weeds can be prevented by using mulches and pre-emergent herbicides. Afterwards, hand pulling, using a garden hoe, or applying a post-emergent herbicide is needed to remove the weeds.