As we eagerly plan for our 2023 gardens, can we acknowledge the elephant in the room?
Weeds.
Let us collectively drop our weed shame and admit - we all have them.
And we all need to plan for them. Just like we plan for all other aspects of our gardens.
The good news is now is the ideal time to consider your weed management plan. Part of that plan will undoubtedly include selecting tools best suited for keeping your weeds in check.
To help you develop your weed management strategy, I’ll discuss the 4 weed management tools we’ve found most effective on our farm.
But first, let’s take a step back.
The tools we’re discussing here will all work best if you minimize bare soil in your gardens/on your farms. In other words, your weed management efforts will be most effective if you pair these tools with mulch.
Here’s why you need both. Mulches prevent weed seed germination long enough to give garden plants the head start.
Then, once the weeds actually do start to germinate, the recommended tools help eliminate them.
Without the mulch, one has to do far more mechanical weed removal. And that is hard to scale.
Ok, so now onto the tools
The tools we use break into 2 categories - tools that prevent weeds from establishing and tools that kill weeds once they’re established
Tools To Prevent weeds
The Wire Weeder and Colinear Hoe are the tools we use to prevent weeds
These tools are designed for weekly bed maintenance - particularly beds holding small garden transplants or seedlings.
I simply run these tools down the rows and/or around the transplants. The tools disturb the mulch and/or soil just enough to eliminate any germinating weed seed.
Both tools will also remove very small weeds but neither works well once the weeds are more mature/established.
Wire Weeder
What is it: A hand-held tool designed for detailed weed prevention and light weeding
How I use it: Weed prevention/light weeding required close to transplants or seedlings.
The wires on the tool slice under the mulch and/or soil to disturb any germinating seeds. The tool will also remove any small weeds that have already taken root
As pictured the weeder has 2 different wire sizes. If your plants are very closely spaced, use the narrow end. If you have more room between plants use the wider end.
Where I bought it: Johnny’s Seeds.
Pros: Very accurate. Minimizes risk of damaging transplant or seedling root systems when weeding near them
Cons: Cannot be used standing up.
For detailed work only. Much slower than colinear hoe
The Colinear hoe
What is it: A long-handled hoe with a straight, flat head.
How I use it: Predominantly to prevent prevents weeds in long beds of transplants or seedlings. Can also be used in decorative beds where plants spaced more widely
7” blade can be used in the pathways or between plantings in the beds themselves.
Once adept at hoe operation a 45’ bed can be done in <10 minutes
Where I bought it: Johnny’s Seeds.
Pros: Long handle allows weed management without bending or squatting.
Light weight reduces wear and tear on your body
Cons: Will not remove well established weeds.
Tools to REmove Weeds
Weeding Sickle
What is it: A hand-held knife ideal for removing more established weeds
How I use it: My go-to tool when weeding near an established plant, particularly when weeding near established perennials or woodies.
Where I bought it: Amazon. Just search “ARS Weeding Sickle” and you should find several options.
Pros: Easily removes well established weeds
When weeds are smaller, sickle is very fast, easily slicing through weed root systems.
Cons: Cannot be used standing up.
Should NOT be used next to new transplants. It’s too easy to have the sickle accidentally remove the transplant root system. Use near established plants only.
Our daughter demonstrates how to use a stirrup hoe
Stirrup HoE
What is it: A long-handled hoe with a stirrup shaped attachment on it. One side of the stirrup is sharpened so it can cut through weed roots.
How I use it: As you draw the hoe toward you, the sharpened side of the stirrup goes beneath the soil surface and cuts off the weed’s stem or the upper portion of the root. The weed’s top growth then dies on top of the soil surface, providing additional mulch.
Where I bought it: While I don’t remember where we purchased our exact hoe, I believe that Johnny’s, Earth Tools and Purple Mountain Organics may all carry a version of this tool. (and all are excellent sources for tools in general).
Pros: One of our fastest hoes
Easily kills even sizable weeds.
Will even eliminate perennial weeds like dandelions, if used consistently over extended period of time
Cons: Not for use in close proximity to garden plants. It can accidentally remove parts of the root system