Weed Control on the Vegetable Plot.

One of the worst weeds to have in your vegetable plot - Japanese Knotweed.

Weeds and Weeding in the Vegetable Garden.

Weeds should be removed because they compete with vegetables for water, soil nutrients, space, and light. Some can harbour pests and diseases. Weeds such as chickweed, groundsel, shepherd’s purse, and hairy bitter cress act as hosts during the winter months to severe virus diseases. these diseases can then be spread by aphids to cucumbers, marrows, tomatoes, and lettuce, with serious results.

Perennial weeds - Dandelions, Docks, Thistles, Nettles, Couch Grass etc - are not normally a problem on well cultivated land. However, they can be a problem on a new or neglected vegetable plot. Individual weeds such as those, can be treated with a weedkiller containing Glyphosate. Be careful NOT to allow any weedkiller to drift onto the foliage of nearby vegetables, or they will also be killed. A trowel or small fork is also good to ease out the roots of perennial weeds. Weeds with fleshy roots, need to be taken out to a depth of 4-6 in to ensure that they will not re-grow.

A heavily-weeded plot can be treated with spreading and anchoring a black plastic sheet on the ground. This is very effective in summer, and can also be done overwinter.

Mulching your vegetable plot will greatly reduce the incidence of weeds. Do it often. It is good for the soil, and clears weeds.