I use a forked tool that I call a dandelion digger for lawn weeds. I keep my lawn well-fertilized so it has very few weeds.
Once weeds are removed, a 2-inch layer of bark dust or compost mulch will reduce new weed growth by 90 percent for months. Most weed seeds need light to germinate. The mulch prevents light from reaching the seeds.
Full-service nurseries, garden stores and other companies supply bark dust in bulk. You can pick it up if you have access to a truck or most will deliver it. Bulk bark dust is cheaper than bagged bark dust or compost.
If you plan to grow vegetables, a raised bed with artificial soil mix will reduce work and improve productivity.
You can build a frame yourself or purchase a ready-made frame from a lumber company. A 4-by-8-by-1-foot cedar frame costs about $100.
Bulk soil mix for raised beds is available from the same suppliers as bark dust. It takes about one cubic yard of three-way soil mix to fill a 4-by-8-by-1-foot frame, which costs about $30 if you pick it up. Planting in our native clay soil is difficult when it is wet but you can plant in artificial soil mix even when it is wet.
Choosing the right plants for the right place involves doing some homework and planning.
First measure the space where you want to plant. How tall can plants grow before blocking views through windows? How much sun or shade will occur at the site? South- and west-facing views are best for sun-loving plants. Shade-loving plants will thrive on the north side and usually do well on the east also. Then check labels and descriptions for mature size and sun/shade requirements.
If you do not intend to use lawns as play areas, consider replacing some of them with ground covers. Although they cost more, they save more in long-term maintenance time and expense.
Investment in an automatic irrigation system will save time and expense over hand-watering. Drip irrigation systems save in water cost. Installing a system now gets ahead of the summer rush.
