Gardening

since I stopped using a tiller near the rows where I plant my veggies. I do the laying of cardboard and leaves, which by the end of the summer is a black compost layer. But, usually, , the weed seeds somehow get themselves right up against whatever plants I have, and need to be pulled by hand or hoe. In the beginning and end of seasons I use my nurseryman's hoe, which has a nice long handle, with the head not too big, but can handly move or dig some pretty weighty soil. During the season, with plants having grown, I use my collinear hoe, which cuts to the roots, but not to move much soil. Over the years you can become pretty proficient using these tools, so cover quite an area in a couple of hours. Then maybe do it again in another day or so. But, never let yourself get behind without doing it for a week or so. If only my plants grew as strong and fast as some of these weeds! But I guess it's all part of the gardening thing, and probably better than flogging yourself!