Organic weed control does not just mean getting on your hands and knees to pull weeds. We've got a whole slew of techniques to get rid of the weeds in your garden (without the R word). Take a look at the variety of ways Tricia prevents and tackles weeds in our video on weed control (and see which one she says is the most fun to use).
The World of Mulch and Films
All our natural mulches are biodegradable and will eventually break down into your soil. One of our favorite mulches to spread on garden beds is Mega Mulch, made from sustainable and renewable coconut shells. It will block light from reaching weed seeds. For a quick and easy weed blocker around the base of new trees, lay down a Coco Fiber Weed Mat (we have two sizes). If you need an alternative to peat moss, for mulching or soil amendment, we carry Coco Peat. It's made from renewable resources and by using it you will be preserving the remaining peat bogs. Mulching films and cloth are also effective light blockers that suppress weeds. Tomatoes and strawberries do especially well when surrounded by our red mulching film (as shown in the video). Black weed fabric is another popular choice. Soil solarization is done with clear plastic; that lets the sun's rays in and cooks the weed seeds.
Flaming
Want some entertainment while you zap weeds? Try one of our Red Dragon flamers with a propane tank to apply heat to the weed, and burst its cells. Used on farms, between rows of crops, it's also effective in gravel areas, or for cracks in paved driveways and sidewalks. Keep a hose handy, just in case. Here's the flamer Tricia uses in our video. If your flamer does not come with a squeeze valve, they are a great addition to your flamer system.
Organic Herbicides to Spray
If you'd like a spray alternative that will burn leaves of weeds, try one of our organic herbicides, such as WeedZap. All of these are "non-selective" herbicides which means they will harm any plant they contact, so make sure you spray only the weeds. And wear your protective gear. The herbicides are effective on grassy and broadleafed weed plants, up to 6 inches tall. Spray enough to coat the weed well. The active ingredients in the different products can include clove oil, vinegar, and d-limonene. Check out our entire selection of weed control herbicides. 
The most fun -- pulling up weeds with the Fiskars UpRoot® Weeder Watch Tricia making short work of weeds with this improved tool!
More tips on identifying weeds from our friends at UC Davis can be found here.
We hope this inspires you to have some fun with getting rid of those weeds. There are so many ways to do that organically. No R_______ required!
Corn Gluten Meal: Timing and Limits
Corn gluten meal is used as a pre-emergent weed-management option. It does not remove established weeds, and timing matters because the goal is to affect germinating seeds. Do not use it where you intend to seed vegetables, flowers, turf, or cover crops unless the product directions and planting interval fit your plan. Follow the product directions for rate, watering, timing, and repeat applications.
Match the Method to Weed Stage and Site
| Situation | Useful starting point | Important limit |
|---|---|---|
| Bare soil before weeds emerge | Mulch, stale seedbed, solarization, or a labeled pre-emergent option | Some methods also affect desired seed germination. |
| Small annual seedlings | Shallow hoeing, cultivation, flame weeding where appropriate, or a labeled contact herbicide | Established roots and crowns may regrow. |
| Perennial weeds | Repeated removal, root or rhizome excavation, smothering, or a site-appropriate labeled treatment | One pass rarely exhausts underground reserves. |
| Paths and hardscape | Mechanical removal, heat where fire conditions permit, or a labeled site-specific treatment | Protect nearby plants and follow fire restrictions. |
Use Solarization 101 for summer soil treatment, Sheet Mulching for smothering, and the Stirrup Hoe guide for shallow cultivation.
Related Pest Control Resources
Content role: Pillar · Topic: Organic weed control
- What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?
- Pest Control Solution Chart
- Browse Organic Weed Control products and tools
Identify the pest or problem first. For pesticides, repellents, traps, and biological controls, confirm that the current label or directions cover the target site and pest. Follow all directions and precautions.
