What is the recommended process for dealing with weeds and compost and mulch?
Answer
Dear Gardener: The best way to prevent weeds, or at least decrease them, is to mulch the garden. This not only prevents most weeds from germinating, but also adds nutrition to the soil. Mulch can be purchased and spread onto the gardens, or you can use the leaves and refuse from your garden, by aging the leaves and grass clippings etc. in a contained area in the back of your garden--or somewhere where it is convenient for you but out of sight. Do not add weed seed heads to the compost pile. Let the refuse age and turn it occasionally and you will have good mulch for your garden after it has aged for a season or so. Some people grind up their leaves with their lawn mower or grinder and put them directly on their garden. This doesnt give the clean neat look of aged or purchased mulch, but is very effective in adding nutrition and preventing weeds. It gives the garden a very natural look.