Managing Weeds
Part 1 – 422 | Unit 1.10
equate to kill newly germinated weeds while leaving
the larger-seeded crops relatively undisturbed. The
larger-seeded crops can more readily recover from
the disturbance because they are planted deeper and/
or have stronger stems and roots.
Tine weeders, including “finger weeders,” and
rotary hoes are used for this method of weed control.
Timing in terms of the growth stage of the crop and
weeds is critical, often coming down to a narrow
“window” of hours; soil conditions must be perfect,
with minimal crusting or ”cloddy-ness.” Some soils
are simply not conducive to this practice. The main
objective of blind tillage is to get the weeds in the
“white thread” stage, just before they emerge from
the soil.Stale Seedbeds
A “stale” seedbed is a seedbed that is prepared well
in advance of the intended planting date. While “on
hold” for planting the bed is either rained on or ir-
rigated to germinate weeds, then lightly tilled to kill
the weeds just prior to planting. The technique is
most often used in East Coast vegetable production.Supplement 1: Strategies for Improved Weed Management