The decision of whether to use an organic or inorganic mulch really depends on the season of the year and what the gardener is trying to accomplish. Organic mulches should be applied after the soil temperature has warmed in the spring. If applied to cold soils, the soil will warm slowly and the growth rate of most vegetables will be reduced. Since emerged weeds present at seeding or transplanting are capable of growing rapidly, it is important to kill all weeds prior to planting. Weeds that emerge after planting should be removed early before they are past 3 inches tall.
Large weeds are difficult to remove without uprooting vegetable plants.
Early season competition which may reduce crop growth, yield, and quality may also occur if weeds are allowed to remain past the 3-inch stage. Removal by hand or cultivation can be used to rid the garden of weeds. With removal by hand, weeds can be hand pulled or removed using hand tools. Several small hand tools are available that are very effective on small weeds and for working near garden plants. They include the springtooth hand cultivator and the trowel.