Where necessary, weeds can be managed using the range of methods outlined below. Prevention is the key and cuts down on the work in the long run.

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1 Clearance, management and control A weed is an opportunist plant that will rapidly appear in bare soil and can become a nuisance to gardeners, completing for light, water, nutrients and space with desired plants. They may be wild plants, or cultivated plants that have spread too far. Weeds also bring biodiversity to a garden and some can be vital in to the survival of butterflies and other wildlife. Where necessary, weeds can be managed using the range of methods outlined below. Prevention is the key and cuts down on the work in the long run. There are no organic herbicides for clearing weedy ground of perennial weeds, but there are other methods that can be used. It is worth allowing sufficient time (which could be months or even a year or more) to clear perennial weeds completely, before planting up with perennial plants such as fruit bushes, shrubs or herbaceous flowers. Clearing weedy ground Cover the ground with a mulch (Guidelines rating will depend on material used) Cultivate by hand (digging etc) Use livestock, such as pigs, chickens, geese Mow/ cut to clear certain weeds Acceptable organic practice Cultivate with a rotavator or other mechanical cultivator Maintenance Grow ground cover plants, including green manures Use close spacing (where appropriate), vigorous varieties, intercropping and undersowing to inhibit weed germination and growth Clear perennial weeds thoroughly before planting perennial plants Hand weeding, hoe, dig out Cut problem weeds, such as docks and thistles, to prevent them seeding 29

2 Cover the ground with a mulch (Guidelines rating will depend on material used) Design the garden to limit areas where weeds can become a problem Keep soil disturbance to a minimum to avoid bringing dormant weeds to the surface Crop rotation (see page 9) Stale seedbed before sowing Paths, drives and other hard surfaces Reduce shade from plants to discourage algae and moss Pressure wash, or clean with a stiff brush Construct paths, driveways and other hard surfaces well, to prevent weeds growing through from below, or taking hold on the surface Use regularly surfaces not used regularly are more likely to grow weeds Hoe gravel Use a thermal/flame weeder Weed killing sprays containing fatty acids, such as pelargonic acid, as the active ingredient; for hard landscaping only Biodiversity Lawns Recognise that weeds can bring something positive to your garden Allow some weeds to flourish where they are not going to compete with your chosen plants Accept a certain level of weeds in a lawn, and recognise their benefits Amend soil ph, drainage and fertility as appropriate to encourage vigorous growth Choose appropriate varieties of grass seeds for location and use Don t cut grass too short, particularly in dry weather 30 Tel: enquiry@gardenorganic.org.uk

3 Mulches for weed clearance and control See also: Bulky organic soil improvers plant wastes (page 11) Recycled plant materials from garden or allotment. Cardboard and newspaper Loose mulches, commercially available, with an organic symbol, or wording, from an approved organic certification organisation Loose mulches, commercially available, made from recycled plant materials. Products from local sources, and those not packaged are preferable Biodegradable mulch fabrics made from paper, wool, hemp and other natural materials; also biodegradable, non-gm, starch based materials. Bagged biodegradable mulches from non organic sources Inert materials such as gravel, slate waste, recycled glass preferably from recycled and/or local sources. Consider environmental impact Permeable synthetic materials [polypropylene, polyethylene or other polycarbonates only] for ground clearance, long-term plantings and under paths, driveways etc. Impermeable synthetic materials, such as black polythene for ground clearance only Never acceptable in an organic garden Any materials from unsustainable sources Carpet as a mulch Garden Organic factsheets Chemical-free plot clearing Mulches for weed prevention and control Organic Weed Management website For more detailed information on organic weed control, particularly for farmers and growers, but also of interest to gardeners, go to 31

4 Water Use The aim in an organic garden is to minimise the need for watering, and to collect rainwater as possible for use in the garden. Where watering is necessary, water should be applied in ways that make best use of it. Gardens act as valuable soakaways for rainwater an increasingly important function with the increase in heavy downpours. Do not pave or tarmac a whole garden. Even areas used for parking can incorporate some soakaway areas. Where soil is light and free draining, grow drought tolerant plants Maximise water holding capacity of soil by adding organic matter (see pages 10 14) Mulch the soil to reduce water loss (see page 31) Keep soil cultivations to a minimum Don t cut lawn grass shorter than 2.5cm; leave it slightly longer in drought conditions Allow weeds such as clover and yarrow to grow in a lawn; they will help to keep it green in dry weather Ensure pond liners don t leak, reducing the need for topping up Try to sow or transplant just before rain is forecast, rather than just before a spell of dry weather Protect young plants from sun and drying winds Collect as much rain water as you can Think before you water; water mainly to establish plants; many, particularly shrubs, trees and perennials rarely need watering Acceptable organic practice Make effective use of water by only watering at key points in a plant s lifecycle, and then only if necessary Give the ground around plants a good soaking so that the water penetrates the soil, rather than just moistening the surface Apply water to the soil rather than foliage. A hand held hose or watering can will direct the water where it is needed If using an irrigation system, chose a drip system rather than sprinklers To minimise losses through evaporation, water in the evening, or at night, rather than in the heat of the day Use grey water, from baths, sinks and showers, to water non-food plants 32 Tel: enquiry@gardenorganic.org.uk

5 Water Use Never acceptable in an organic garden Ineffective and wasteful use of water Garden Organic factsheets Water in the organic garden factsheet Mulches 33