Facilitators-Handbook-For-Permaculture

Workshop Module 7: Farming 211

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Presentation : Weed control

Method : Presentation and group brainstorm

Tools : Images of different weed control methods, large paper, markers

References : PC Book MOD 7 – Farming;

PC Book MOD 6 – Home and Community Gardens

Objective : Participants learn weed control techniques and create a list of weeds

Weeds can reduce crop production because they use nutrients and water and
compete with the main crops. However, if they are used as mulch then some nutrients
and water are returned to the soil. More weed removal equals better production, more
plants, and larger crop size. If possible, remove weeds once a month.

Burning is a quick method for removing weeds but it causes many problems and reduces
soil quality each year.

Discuss with the participants about the types of weeds that are growing and what weed
control techniques they know of or use already.

The following are some techniques for natural weed control:

• Mulch - greatly reduces weed growth.


• Cover crops.


• Animal labour.


• Plough the ground before planting.


• Annual weeds can be slashed but perennial weeds should be pulled out before
  they become too old and too hard to remove.


• Remove the weeds before the weeds form seeds.


• For irrigated vegetables crops in dry season, especially tomatoes, beans,
  eggplants, etc – More directed irrigation means less weed problems.

After the presentation and discussion hold a group brainstorm about the types of weeds
that are growing in the area. On the board create a table something like the following; leave
the answers to the questions blank so that the participants come up with their own ideas.

The answers listed below are only supplied as guidelines for the facilitator
should the participants need help or prompting to develop their own ideas
and discussions.

Type of weed Growth habit Control methods Potential uses

Grass By seed, root, cutting Mulch and pull out Compost, liquid compost, fodder

Stinging nettle Seed Mulch and pull out Compost

Fern Roots spread Mulch and pull out Compost

Wild spinach Seed Mulch and pull out Compost, vegetable, and fodder

Wild eggplant Seed Mulch and pull out Vegetable and compost

Shy plant Roots spread Mulch and pull out Compost

See “Weed control” section of PC Book MOD 7 – Farming and other exercises in this

book for reference and ideas.