Sometimes smothering is part of the regular tending of certain crops. Leeks and potatoes both need hilling during the season, and weeds are destroyed in the act of piling dirt higher around each plant. And if you side-dress with compost during the season, you will be naturally covering weeds each time. Don't make the mistake of trying to side-dress with fresh steer, pig or poultry manure, thinking that it will provide far more nutrients than compost. If you are very lucky and it doesn't burn your plants beyond redemption, fresh manure will certainly leave you the gift of weed seeds that have been waiting to see the light of day to sprout.
Some people cover weeds with organic mulches, such as straw, hay, grass remains or leaves.
Next week Ill discuss the pros and cons of these. Linden Staciokas has gardened in Alaska for more than two decades. Questions about gardening can be addressed to her at P.O. Box 72884, Fairbanks, AK 99707. Linden Staciokas has gardened in Alaska for more than two decades. Questions about gardening can be addressed to her at P.O. Box 72884, Fairbanks, AK 99707.