How to Manage Pests

Weed management around flowers

Weeds compete with plants for sunlight, water, and nutrients. Many weedy species can provide benefits in the garden such as providing food and shelter for insect predators and parasites. However, in flower beds, weeds can quickly shade out young plants as well as rob the soil of nutrients and water, so weed control is essential, especially when the plants are young.

Before you plant, prepare the soil. Maintaining healthy, vigorously growing plants is one of the most important factors in reducing losses due to weed competition. The primary methods for weed control in flowers include exclusion and prevention, cultivation and handweeding, mulching, solarization, and sometimes herbicides.

More information

• Weed Management in Landscapes Pest Note.
• Woody Weed Invaders Pest Note
• How to manage specific weeds.
• For help identifying weeds: see the Weed Photo Gallery or the key to identifying weeds.