Tips for Managing Weeds

  • Focus on building healthy, thriving plants in your yard. They'll fill in the open spaces and crowd out the weeds.
  • Monitor your yard often, looking for weeds on a regular schedule. It's easier to remove the small sprouts than to battle big, unpleasant weeds that have already dropped their seeds.
  • Get suspicious plants identified. Contact your local Extension office for help.
  • Learn how the weeds spread. The hardest weeds to control are those that grow back each year and spread by the roots (perennials). They'll take extra effort.
  • Don't remove all the vegetation in your yard. It helps to compete with the weeds.
  • Adjust the amount of water to favor the plants you want in your landscape.
  • Don't plant weeds. Use certified weed-free seed, mulch, and soil materials. Know your supplier and the source of the materials, and avoid those that come from weedy areas.
  • Use drip systems. They put the water where it's needed, reducing habitat for weeds.
  • Use mulches to make it more difficult for weeds to grow.
  • Pull, dig or hoe weeds early, before they can make seed.
 
Photo of a hand holding a weed that has just been pulled from the ground

Pull weeds when they are young and the roots are relatively small.

Photo of an empty lot covered with weeds

Bare ground invites weeds. Keep the surface
covered with mulch and avoid blading native
vegetation, which helps compete with weeds.

Hefner, M. 2019, Tips for Managing Weeds, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno. IP

Extension Associated Contacts

 

Also of Interest:

 
girl with sheep
4-H Market Livestock Record Book (Washoe County)
4-H Market Livestock Record Book
Washoe 4-H Team 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Forms
producing manure
Using Chicken Manure Safely in Home Gardens and Landscapes
When a family raises chickens, they have a ready supply of brown gold from composted or aged manure to benefit their garden and landscape plants. Learn more about using chicken manure safely in home gardens and landscapes in this factsheet.
Saliga III, R. and Skelly, J. 2013, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-13-23
Hawaiian Haystacks
Hawaiian Haystacks
Hawaiian Haystacks
Weding, H. 2024, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, Recipes
Chicken with Apples and Rice
Chicken with Apples and Raisins
Chicken with Apples and Raisins ~ A flavorful fall dish that can be enhanced by adding ½ cup chopped almonds, pecans or walnuts.
N. Mazzullo 2024, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, Recipes
Baked Flaked Chicken
Baked Flaked Chicken
This light and healthy baked-fried chicken. You can use leftovers to cut up or shred to add to soup or salads,
Mazzullo, N. 2024, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Recipes
 

Associated Programs

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Healthy Aging Initiative

Using Extension's expertise, the HAI team can connect you with the resources to navigate aging and its trends. HAI programs are offered for adults over 50 and those who partner with them to provide care and support, including careers in aging exploration for middle and high school students and incoming college freshmen. We provide expert nutrition and physical activity training information for elders, caregivers and professionals. We have sponsorship options for tours and professional education.

produce department

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education - Nevada

Improve the nutritional well-being of people who receive SNAP benefits and other Nevadans with a low income through community based education, programs and needs assessments.