In the garden, weeds compete with desirable plants for water, nutrients, sunlight, and growing space. Weeds are controlled to prevent a reduction in yields of fruits and vegetables. Weed control also enhances the performance of annual and perennial flowers. The type of weed helps determine the best method of control. The two main types of weeds are annuals and perennials.
Annual weeds germinate, grow, flower, set seed, and die within one year.
Perennial weeds live for two or more years. Perennial weeds often die back to the ground in the fall, but sprout from their roots in the spring. Weeds can also be classified as broadleaf weeds or grasses. The most common methods of weed control in the home garden are cultivation and hand pulling. Hoeing, rototilling, and hand pulling effectively controls most annual weeds.