Hoe or hand pull small weeds before applying the mulch. Organic mulch also keeps the soil from packing and increases the humus necessary for vigorous plant growth. Cultivate shortly after a rain to get rid of annual weed seeds in the germination zone before the weed seeds sprout. Shallow cultivation avoids bringing new weed seeds into the germination zone from deeper soil layers. It also prevents cutting vegetable roots that may be growing in the walkways.
Shallow cultivation helps the soil absorb and hold water.
It also loosens the soil and lets the water seep down to the roots. The key to a disease and insect-free garden is prevention, says Izekor. Control weeds after harvest because weeds serve as a haven in which insects and diseases overwinter and reinfect garden crops in succeeding years. If you are not cultivating and only plan to pull weeds by hand, do so when the garden is dry but the soil is still moist. Weeding when it s dry avoids spreading diseases.