Those Pesky Weed Seeds

According to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Institute of Agriculture, soil acts as a reservoir for seed storage, meaning all kinds of weeds may be below the surface waiting to burst forth. Once grassland is cultivated, the percentage of weed seeds goes down. In grasslands, weed seed is located in the top inch of soil, while in cultivated soil, the seeds sit in the top six inches of soil.

Pest control and weeds are two ongoing challenges for farmers and gardeners. You can find more information on battling weeds and pests in your garden in magazines and booklets at your garden supply store or online.

How Control Weed Seeds and Other Pests

The Institute of Agriculture states that to control the weed seed supply in your garden, you need to continually practice weed control so new seeds are not introduced into the soil. If you have any surface irrigation coming into your garden, make a habit of straining out seeds from the water, as this is another source of weed seeds.

You can use seed screens and then control the growth of weeds on the banks of the irrigation channels. Also keep in mind that the manure you use can introduce new weed seed, which remains viable in most animals’ digestive tracts.

Of course a weed to one gardener may be a cherished plant to another. Weeds that are unwelcome pests in a vegetable garden may be attractive growing wild on the side of a road. Usually the best approach to keeping your garden free of weeds is to put on the garden gloves and ‘weed’ them out regularly.

Weed control is a fact of gardening life and a symbol of natural variety. Remember this as you perform this ongoing chore.

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