New weed-removal techniques in the Platte County Community Garden are a great success!

I'm Lorna, one of the EMGs who keep up the Master Gardener plots in the Platte County Community Garden. We've done some new, interesting things in the garden this year and it is looking really nice. We'd like to let others know what's going on in the garden.

As is true in many home gardens, Community Garden plots can get weedy and out of control.

This spring, our team that keeps up the Master Gardener demonstration plots in the Platte County Community Garden tried new techniques to combat the spring weeds and bermuda grass:In February, we identified areas where bermuda grass had invaded. We used a heavy-duty broadfork to loosen and expose the extensive root system. We left the 'stolons' exposed to the drying daytime sun and freezing nighttime temps for two weeks. Then,  they pulled right out!

- Also in February, we used silage tarps to temporarily cover the large area where spring crops would be seeded. The tarps are black on top. When pinned down over damp soil, they trap the sun's energy to warm the soil beneath. This 'tricks' early spring weed seeds into germinating, but they quickly die due to the complete exclusion of light and additional water. Also, temps dipped below freezing several times while the tarps were down, and the repeated freeze/thaw cycles helped to loosen the soil. The tarps worked like a charm! When we removed them after four weeks the soil was weed-free, soft, and easy to plant in - no need for tilling!

Success trying new techniques makes us happy - as does the reduction in weeds! If you're an Extension Master Gardener, we'd love to have you join us - we're in the garden Wednesday & Saturday mornings at times posted on the Chapter calendar. If you're not, feel free to make use of this knowledge in your own home garden.

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