The Best Time To Pull Weeds Without The Hassle

Gardening is an exceptionally rewarding pastime. From germinating seeds and nurturing young plants to watching in awe as flowers bloom and vegetables ripen, there's no better way to while away a few happy hours. There is, however, one thing all green thumbs share a mutual dislike for, and that's weeding. In the hotter months, it can feel like a never-ending task. For those of us in warmer climes, it's often a year-round battle. Fortunately, you can make your life a whole lot easier simply by getting your timing right. 

Weeding is one of those gardening tasks that are a must after it rains, when the soil has had a good enough soaking to give it some give. Why? Because you'll be able to yank out those unwelcome intruders without worrying about leaving their roots behind. There's no point in trying to pull weeds from dry, hard soil. All you'll do is break off the stem, leaving the all-important root to flourish beneath the surface. Given that weeds can attract pests to your yard, it's not worth the risk.

Letting Mother Nature wet the soil can save you time and reduce your water usage, but don't use waiting for rain as an excuse to put off weeding. You'll only regret it later. Procrastinating gives weeds a chance to ensconce themselves further and, even worse, seed. If there's no rain forecast for the near future, go ahead and run a soaker hose for an hour or so, and then get out there. Early mornings are ideal for weeding because you're able to tackle your least favorite job while it's still cool out. Plus, if there's dew on the ground, it can make the job a little easier. 

It's best to weed more often for shorter periods of time. This will prevent the critters from staging a coup while making your job infinitely easier and, if not enjoyable, at least rewarding. Even 10 to 15 minutes every other day can make a difference. That said, it also depends on the season, since weeds are typically more prevalent in summer than they are in winter.

While getting your timing right plays a big role, not all weeds will come out with a mere tug, no matter how moist the soil is. Deep-rooted varieties, like Japanese knotweed or dandelions with their notoriously difficult-to-extricate taproots, will need more than a gloved hand to remove them. Using a weeding tool, such as a Hori Hori knife, hand trowel, or collinear hoe, can help in this instance.

Although relaxed gardening trends are replacing formal landscapes, a riot of weeds isn't one of them. So, how can you prevent them from taking root in the first place? There are several tactics you can employ to radically reduce weeds in your garden. Start by applying the "one-touch rule" and pulling out a weed as soon as you see it. This way, there's less chance of them spreading their seeds all over the place. Pro tip: If you're unable to properly remove them (if it's hot and dry, say), then at least pull off the flowers or seed heads.

Alternatively, mulching can help save water by keeping the soil nice and moist while protecting your plants. As a bonus, adding a layer of mulch in the form of leaves or bark will prevent weeds from taking hold and give your garden a neat look and feel. Lastly, you can enlist the help of cover crops like buckwheat, clover, or winter rye to muscle out the weeds during the down months when you're not using your beds to grow other plants.