Many perennial weeds are able to become prolific because of poor cultivation techniques that leave small pieces of the rhizome in the soil after digging or rototilling. One can accomplish this in two main ways. Weeds may be discouraged from growing by using good gardening techniques or weeds may be removed manually, mechanically or chemically. The choice depends upon various factors. One must consider the growth habit and the actual location of the weeds.
Nothing is more effective in the battle against weeds than old fashioned weeding by hand.
This is, of course, labour intensive. It may not always be totally effective if the offending weeds have already set seed, but the seed will not be spread around as much as it would with hoeing. Annual weeds can be controlled very easily by regular hoeing. They will dry out and die if the hoeing is performed on a warm, sunny day. Continuous hoeing of annual weeds before they have produced seed will gradually reduce the problem but it will not be totally eradicated.