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I was once told that a weed is just a flower out of place. My definition is any plant that interferes with the desired plant I'm trying to grow. We all have weeds to contend with in the garden and I don't know about you, but I don't like to use any chemicals around anything I eat. So let's take a look at some cultural practices to help control weeds. One of the best preventative ways to com- bat weeds is to provide the best possible growing conditions. Garden placement, soil conditions, proper watering, fertilizer use, insect and disease issues can all have a hand in weed control. Garden placement is crucial because it deals with sun/shade issues. Garden plants grow best in full sun. They become stressed in the shade. On the other hand, weeds have the ability to grow in either giv- ing them the upper hand. Soil condition is also important. Veg- etable plants like to grow in a somewhat loose soil that still retains some moisture. Weeds aren't too fussy when it comes to where they grow. Here lies the problem; most of us don't have this perfect soil. Fertility has to do with how much organ- ic matter is in the soil. Organic matter is what feeds your plants and creates a living soil. If only there was something we could do to help out both soil condition and fer- tility. There is: compost, compost, compost! The more the better. Proper watering and fertilizing are also important. Water your plants on a regular basis and never let them get too dry or too wet. Find a good organic fertilizer designed specifically for vegetables. Organic fertiliz- ers are best because they are less likely to be harmful to your plants. A plant that is under stress will always lose out to weeds. Insect and disease problems in your gar- den should be a sign to you that your plants are already under stress. Plants that are weak are the first ones to be attacked. Keep a close eye out for any problems and address them as soon as possible. Now that we have healthy plants growing in a healthy environment, what more can we do? Try mulching. Mulching will not only suppress weeds, but keeps the envi- ronment healthy. Mulching aids in water retention, reduces compaction and helps with fertility. Marsh hay, grass clippings and even newspaper can be used. If you're using grass clippings, make sure they're free of chemicals. At the end of the year, these mulches can be tilled right into the garden, improving your soil even more. Another product that has shown some promise is corn gluten. It works as a pre- emergent and keeps weed seeds from ger- minating. You still have to deal with peren- nial weeds, but at least you won't have to contend with new weeds trying to get a start. Last, but not least, you will still have to do some hand weeding. It's simply a fact of life with vegetable gardening. Just get out there early, and often, and it won't seem as tedious. By creating a healthy environment, growing stress-free plants and mulching you'll conquer most of the weeds. Then with a little hand weeding you should be able to control the rest. Now just sit back and reap the fruits of your labor. Happy gardening! (Michael Timm is a horticulturalist with Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia.) HOMES PLUS JUNE 2016 2 18 Full-size Doors On Display, Our Installers Are Licensed & Bonded 16'x7', 25 Gauge...Non Insulated Steel $ 725 Lifetime Door Co. TRUCKLOAD SALE on Garage Doors & Door Openers Installed Tax Included $ 895 • Lifetime Warranty • Other Sizes Available • 2000 Garage Doors in Stock Special! - Take down and haul away old door for FREE! 16x7 SAVE $ 240 NOW Model 8365 ORDER A LIFTMASTER 1/2 HP GARAGE DOOR OPENER & GET 2 REMOTES & KEYPAD. $ 329 Installed Tax Included • Two-Sided Pre-Finished Galvanized Steel • R-10 Insulated • 5 colors to choose from 12645 W. Townsend (2 blocks N. of Burleigh, enter off 124th St. only) Free Estimate 262-783-4004 Monday - Friday 7am-5pm www.lifetimedoor.net 2 4 7 7 9 0 0 2 0 Full Year Warranty, parts and service on installed operators. FREE Internet Gateway with order Helping make your vegetables grow better than your weeds MICHAEL TIMM While mulch can help prevent weeds, it won't eradicate them. Gardeners just need to tackle unwanted plants like prickly lettuce early before roots grow too deep. Distributed by: ©2016 by Conley Media Waukesha County Homes Plus is published monthly by Conley Media - Waukesha County, 801 N. Barstow St., Waukesha, WI 53186. Contents of this publication may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. A publication of Conley Media Sales Director: Jim Baumgart 262/513-2621 jbaumgart@conleynet.com Editor: Dan Muckelbauer 262/513-2626 dmuck@conleynet.com Production: Patricia Scheel 262/513-2690 pscheel@conleynet.com Homes Plus Volume 5 ■ Number 6 ■ June 2016

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