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It has been said, whether a plant is a weed or not depends on whether you want it or not. Nevertheless, nearly three-quarters of the 1,000 plants identified as California weeds are imports from other countries. Clearly, early European settlers who brought them here wanted them to fulfill their needs for animal fodder, medicines and other uses. Plants from Africa, Asia and other areas with Mediterranean-type climates have found California to be welcoming and have established strong footholds here. Regardless of their origins, these plants are seldom welcome guests in today's gardens, landscapes and turf. Eradication efforts have often been limited to chemical treatments or the application of "elbow grease" to pull or hoe them. Modern movement toward more chemical-free weed control has focused on reducing or eliminating chemical herbicides, though many of these products are valuable and, used properly, are safe. In certain efforts, such as with turf replacement or preparation for planting in a wild area, herbicides may be the only reasonable option. Do No Harm Just as the guiding principle of the medical professions in applying treatments is, "do no harm," so too should it be a guide in dealing with weeds. Depending on the site, an overzealous approach to weed control may make matters worse. Enthusiastic tilling of soils which have been undisturbed for years is likely to turn up large quantities of dormant weed seeds which will then have to be dealt with when they germinate. Imported topsoil may harbor weed seed.		I expect you to make your bed properly. That includes the Bed Spread! Bed Spread New, from S&S Seeds, a unique pelletized seedbed topping Easy, even application 99% weed seed free Conserves water and fertilizer Prevents seed loss Promotes germination Low cost Read more about Bed Spread.

In some areas the soil's seed load is minimal, as is the case with a heavily excavated building site where subsoils have been turned up and may have been supporting a few tough weeds for a year or two. In such spots, chopping and removing the weeds followed by raking or cultivation of the soil and watering will germinate most of the weeds which can then be killed with a herbicide. After allowing a period for breakdown and dissipation of the herbicide, the desired plants can be installed or seeded.

Nonchemical Methods
In warm areas, inland from coastal climate influences, weeds and pathogens in the soil can be killed prior to new planting by solarizing the soil. Create a "greenhouse effect" by covering the intended planting area with clear plastic for 6-8 weeks. This method relies on sunlight to penetrate the plastic sheet which prevents heat from escaping.
By far, the best nonchemical methods rely on wise landscape management and hardy, desirable plants that will help you control weeds by competing with them for water and nutrients, light and space, denying weeds the opportunity to grow or thrive. Areas which are already planted with ornamentals that have been invaded by weeds require other methods. Broadleaf weeds, such as dandelion or yellow oxalis, in lawn or turfgrass may have to be dug out to prevent resprouting. Well-established or deeply-rooted weeds may also have to be treated with a contact herbicide. Timely action is needed to eradicate these invaders before seed can set, even if that means nothing more than cutting back tall young weeds.
In nonturf areas hand cultivating on a regular basis is an effective control for the hobbyist gardener but may be impractical and too labor intensive for landscape maintenance companies. Nonturf landscape plants, if well established, will compete with weeds and keep unwanted growth at bay. An excellent weed control method that is beneficial in other ways, is to add mulch over bare-dirt areas surrounding ornamental plantings. Organic mulches, such as redwood bark or S&S Seeds' Bed Spread, smother weeds then break down, enriching the soil.
Black plastic sheeting is popular for weed control but should not be used because it deprives the soil of oxygen, increases its temperature, and may cause a reduction of beneficial fungi and microbial action that is necessary to the health of root systems.

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