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AR15.COM
3/29/2011 9:08:20 AM EDT
I hate trying to get rid of all the weeks in my garden every year and I'm one those people that can't stand them there even if they aren't really hurting anything. So instead of planting a cover crop like winter wheat on my garden area in the winter could I use a tarp or plastic cover to lay down over it and keep any weeds from growing until next spring? Will this hurt me on the fertility of my garden for next year? I've always heard you should plant a cover crop to help rehibilitate the soil from the past growing season but how important is it? Especially since I always go ahead and add a little compost, fertilizer, and lime every year anyway?
3/29/2011 9:30:16 AM EDT
[#1]
The cover crop being tilled into the soil is what reduces the need for additional amendments.  If you want to cover it to reduce weeds, you'll have to supplement your soil.
3/29/2011 9:44:00 AM EDT
[#2]
A buddy of mine is a fan of old carpeting as a cover in his garden to keep the weeds at bay.

TRG
3/29/2011 10:06:57 AM EDT
[#3]



Quoted:


The cover crop being tilled into the soil is what reduces the need for additional amendments.  If you want to cover it to reduce weeds, you'll have to supplement your soil.


this



 
3/29/2011 3:17:24 PM EDT
[#4]
I covered the garden one year with 6 mil polly in an attemp to do the same thing. It soured the soil so bad that I couldn't work in the garden for the stink for almost a week. Crop was really bad that year also. Weeds are just something I've learned to put up with. I do the best I can and then quit worrying about them.If they get high enough I mow down the center of the rows to make seeing critters easier.
3/29/2011 8:11:02 PM EDT
[#5]
I believe I'll just plant the cover crop and till the heck out of it like I've been doing. I figured it might effect the soil in a negative way. I also thought it might even create a breeding ground for molds and fungus which is definately not good. Thanks, for the replies
3/30/2011 3:26:05 PM EDT
[#6]
Ex GF's dad used to use newspapers to hold back the weeds once his corn emerged.  It eventually degrades back to the soil, so its enviro-friendly.