GET CULTURED: Non-chemical prevention of weeds in containers by
Don Merhaut Most weeds of containerized plants require light for
seed/spore germination. By minimizing light on the surface of
containers, weed germination is greatly reduced. Light levels on
container surfaces are usually highest directly after planting
or shifting to larger containers, when the canopy of plant
liners, plugs or transplants are small relative to the container
size. As crops become established and the canopy develops, the
plants will often shade the media surface sufficiently to reduce
the likelihood of weed seed germination. If the plant canopy is
not dense enough to shade the surface of the container medium,
then one should consider a weed barrier. A mulch of bark, straw,
or any product that allows water to flow through the mulch to
the medium can be used as a light barrier. Consider materials
that are available locally, since these products are usually
less expensive — for example, in pecan-growing regions, pecan
shells are som