Everyone Should Be Weeding Their Gardens In The Morning, And Here's Why

Fellow gardeners, it’s time to talk about that never-ending gardening chore we all dread (yes, I’m talking about weeding).

I don’t know about you, but weeding is one of the most annoying chores in my garden. Ever since I was a little girl, my mom would ask me to pull out those pesky weeds, and I disliked it then just as much as I do now.

But, as much as I grumble about it, there’s no denying the satisfaction of seeing a weed-free garden bed ready for new plantings. Over the years, I’ve discovered some useful tricks to make weed removal easier (even if it’s not your favorite task).

Don’t worry, my friend, I’m happy to share what I’ve learned. You can start by…

Weeding Your Garden Early In The Morning

My life honestly changed once I started pulling out weeds early in the morning. Wondering why?

Well, that glistening dew isn’t just pretty – it can also dampen the soil, making those annoying weeds much easier to yank out. Especially after a few nights of rain, the moist dirt becomes super loose and soft (which even makes those deep-rooted weeds like dandelions easier to pull out).

And, of course, as the day progresses and the soil dries, pulling weeds becomes more challenging. Dry soil traps roots in place, making it likely you’ll leave pieces behind to re-sprout later.

This method of waiting for a bit of moisture to help with weeding is sometimes called “pre-sprouting“.

I’ve also read that watering your garden early in the morning, particularly in the summer, makes weeding easier, so a recently watered garden is the perfect opportunity.

But remember, it’s all about taking advantage of these three: morning dew, light rain, and gentle watering.

Weeding during heavy rain, days of drizzle, or after soaking your yard isn’t ideal. Plus, you risk ruining your garden bed structure and, let’s face it, slipping and falling in the mud isn’t fun for anyone.

To avoid these issues, stick to clear garden paths, use long-handled tools and kneeling boards, and wear non-slip shoes (I once picked weeds wearing flip-flops – don’t ask me how that went).

Loosen stepped-on soil with a hoe as you go, and you’ll find weeding in the morning not only easier but also somewhat more enjoyable (and it’s better to cross it off your to-do list at the beginning of the day).

And Using The Power Of Midday Sun To Eliminate Weeds

Now that we’ve tackled our weeds and thrown them in the pile of unwanted greenery, what’s next on our agenda?

If the day is sunny, you can let the sun do some of the work for you. Leave the pulled weeds on the soil surface where the harsh UV rays will dry them out, ruining their roots and even knocking back some diseases.

The other option is to put your weeds into a pile to make them easier to pick up and dispose of safely. Tossing them in the trash can is a good option too, especially if you’re dealing with invasive or hardy species like Prickly lettuce.

But how about using some creative ways to give those pesky weeds a new purpose? Here’s what you can do:

1. Hot composting: A high-heat compost pile can kill weed seeds, turning them into rich compost for your garden.

2. Weed tea: Steep weeds in water to create a potent, natural fertilizer.

3. Mulch: Use weed-free weeds as mulch to help retain soil moisture and suppress future weed growth.

You know, not all experts agree on the best time and method for weeding. Some argue that morning weeding on damp soil might give weeds a chance to regrow if the day stays cool and cloudy.

But weeding, like most gardening practices, comes down to trying numerous techniques and learning from mistakes.

While morning weeding is widely recommended, experimenting with late afternoon sessions or dry soil pulling might also work well for your garden.

Remember, every garden is unique, so don’t hesitate to try different methods to see what suits yours best.
Related: Did You Know That Lamb’s Ear Can Be Your Ultimate Garden Defender Against Unwanted Weeds?