How to Grow More Vegetables : And Fruits, Nuts ... - Shroomery

Weeding
Intensively planted raised beds do not require weeding as
often as other types of gardens due to the living mulch that the
plants create. Usually, our beds only need to be weeded once,
about a month after the bed is planted. A bed prepared in a new
area may have to be weeded more often at first, however, since
many dormant seeds will be raised to a place in the soil where
they can germinate readily. Over time, as the soil becomes richer
and more alive, you will probably have fewer weeds, since they
tend to thrive more in poor and deficient soils than in healthy
ones.
There really is no such thing as a “weed.” A weed is just a
plant that is growing in an area where you, the gardener, do not
want it to grow. In fact, many so-called weeds, such as stinging
nettle, are quite beneficial to the soil and to other plants. (This
will be discussed in more detail in “Companion Planting.”)
Instead of weeding indiscriminately, you should learn the
natures and uses of the different weeds so you can identify and
leave some of the most beneficial ones in the growing beds.
Until they are removed, weeds help establish a more quickly
nourishing miniclimate for your current crop. Add the weeds
you pull to the compost pile. They are rich in trace minerals
and other nutrients and will help grow good crops next season.
Weeds are generally hardier than cultivated plants since
they are genetically closer to their parental plant stock and
nearer to the origin of the plant species. They tend to germinate
before broadcasted cultivated plants. You should usually
wait to remove these plants from the beds until the cultured
plants catch up with the weeds in height or until the cultured
plants become established (about transplanting size)—whichever
comes first. Weeding before this time is likely to disturb
the germinating cultured plant seeds or disturb the developing
new root systems, causing interrupted plant growth and weakened
plants. However, be sure to remove any grass plants that
develop in the beds after the first weeding. These plants put out
incredibly large root systems that interfere with other plants in
the competition for nutrients and water.
Planting in Season
Vegetables, flowers, and herbs—all plants for that matter—
should be planted in season. This is a good way to love your
plants. If they are forced (grown out of season), much of their
energy is used up straining to combat unseasonable weather
in the form of cold, heat, rain, or drought. Less energy is left
for balanced growth, and a plant with limited energy reserves—
not unlike people—is more susceptible to disease and insect
attacks. Also, for the best crop health and yields, be sure to
keep your plants harvested! To determine the best time to plant
various crops, see the information on page 82.
Appropriate posture can make
weeding easier.
flowers
herbs
grains
cover crops
trees
SEED PROPAGATION 81