"Some people enjoy cottage or natural gardens that have tons of weeds but you don't notice them because the flowering plants are so big and bodacious," Pierson said. "Yet if you have a simple garden, those weeds will stand out."
It pays to know your plants before uprooting anything, she said. "Otherwise you might pull up something you like - something attractive that's trying to self-sow and naturalize, like violas or pansies."
Weeds generally are considered the thugs of the garden because they steal sun, water, and nutrients that you're trying to direct toward edibles and ornamentals. They often appear unsightly and out of place.
But weeds have a positive place in nature. They can be used to prevent soil erosion, provide food and cover for pollinators, and supply organic matter to depleted ground.
Despite all that, it may be necessary to do some hand weeding around the yard. And there are ways to save time and effort doing it.
Weed after it rains, when the ground is softer and weeds are easier to pull. Weed when the plants are small.
Weed whenever and wherever you see them pop up, at any time of year.
Or try:
Crowding your favorite plants. "The lazy man's guide to gardening is to plant your flowers so tight there isn't room enough for any weeds to compete," Pierson said.
Mulching. "Compost and leaves can smother weeds while making your soil healthier," Pierson said. Solarization, or spreading plastic sheets or "geotextiles" over the ground, also prevents unwanted germination.
Using the right tools. Long-handled hoes, string trimmers, and propane-fueled "flamers" have helped gardeners avoid many an aching back. But be careful about where you direct those flames. Leaves and wood mulch are combustible combinations.
