How to Get Rid of Grass in Vegetable Garden
Grass can be a pesky weed in vegetable gardens, taking over the area and competing with your vegetables for sun, air, water, and nutrients.
Since grass is difficult to control once it’s established, it’s best to prevent it to begin with.
Preventative Measures
- Lawn Mower: Getting into the habit of regular mowing keeps grass from going to seed.
- Cultivation: By consistently cultivating and hilling your vegetable garden, grass won’t be able to form strong roots and will eventually die.
- Wood Mulch: Using shredded wood mulch reduces the amount of light and air that would otherwise be available to grass.
Management of Existing Grass in Vegetable Gardens
- Hand Pulling: For small areas, manual control is effective at removing established grass. Make sure to get out the entire root system.
- Herbicides: If there is too much grass to manage by hand, using herbicides is an option. Follow the directions on the package for the best results.
- Solarization: Solarization is effective for killing existing grass. Simply cover the affected area with clear plastic for 6 weeks during warm temperatures to get rid of the grass.
Grass can be hard to control in a vegetable garden, but using preventative measures and management techniques can help to get rid of it. With a bit of patience and effort, you can get your garden back on track and your vegetables flourishing!
