By midsummer, even a thriving backyard garden can start to feel under pressure almost overnight, and weeds can make things even worse.
Luke Marion, one of the content creators behind MIgardener (@MIgardener), broke down just why weeds are such a problem for gardens and what you can do about it.
What's happening?
During a hot and humid August gardening session, Marion pondered one question in his recent YouTube video: "Why are weeds bad for my garden?"
The answer isn't as simple as you might think.
First, weeds soak up nutrients that would otherwise go toward fruits and vegetables. But beyond that, Marion says they are "territorial," particularly grasses: "You'll get one big clump of grass, and from that crown, it will grow out and basically kind of smother out the area."
Weeds also consume a lot of water. While they are drought-tolerant, Marion says their roots are "often very shallow, and aggressive, and fibrous," preventing crops' roots from growing deep.
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Add in the fact that weeds can spread disease, and they are worth keeping out of your garden.
For Marion, raised garden beds have been a "really great thing."
He said the beds' uncompacted soil, the ability to plant fast-growing seedlings early in the spring, and the shade provided in a high-intensity garden help limit time spent weeding so more focus can go to growing desirable crops.
Why does it matter?
When weeds or pests persist in a garden, they can ruin the produce families were planning to eat, pushing people back to the grocery store and weakening one of the main benefits of growing food at home: cutting the cost of fresh produce.
Garden-grown vegetables can also be harvested at peak ripeness, making them tastier than store-bought ones. That advantage is lost if weeds or pests damage the crops.
Unfortunately, a weed outbreak can be frustrating enough to make some gardeners consider giving up, even though spending time outside can lower stress, promote movement, and help people feel more connected to their food.
What are people saying?
Viewers chimed in with their own tips and tricks.
"The secret to keep the weeds away…..NO BARE SOIL….if after six weeks of planting, you can see soil, you don't have enough plants in the garden, plant some more," one advised.
"I love my raised beds," another affirmed.
"I try to pull, chop up and drop the weeds before they seed to help build my soil," a third said.
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