Weeds are defined as any plant that has not been planted for a specific purpose. All gardeners have different tolerances for weeds. However in a communal situation, where the weed seed bank affects the plots of others, there needs to be some consistency in keeping weeds within plots and in the communal spaces of the Gardens under control so that seeds do not spread. Under control does not necessarily mean a weed-free garden but is a garden where seeds will not spread in great numbers.
Keeping the weeds under control is important to the future health and vibrancy of the garden as a community and as a garden.
Weeds pull nutrients from the soil that are needed for vegetable and ornamental growth and production. While weeds may act as a ground cover they also outgrowout grow vegetables and most ornamentals thus denying much needed sunshine from getting to the desiredvegetable and ornamental plants. As a result, yield and strength of the plants is diminished sometimes to the point of loss of produce and the killing the plant.
Mulching for weed control is very strongly recommended. If seeds don’t have light or contact with soil, they will not grow. To that end, the Board encourages the use of a layer of cardboard followed by a layer of straw/hay mulch within the garden plots. Thick layers of newspaper are also approved but do break down faster during the growing season. . Peak growing season for weeds begins in early to mid-July when humidity, heat and moisture combine to encourage the quick development of the weeds. Weeds drop their seeds in August and September so weed control does not end when the done harvesting. Seeds are spread through the Gardens by wind, rain, birds, animals, boots and shoes. They don’t just drop where the plant is growing.
Spring Green Village ordinance 300.6 states that all weeds and grasses are to be kept under 6 inches.RES 9-16-22 NOXIOUS WEEDS — Canada thistle,
leafy spurge, field bindweed (creeping jenny), purple loosestrife, multiflora rose, burdock, common ragweed, great ragweed, garlic mustard, goat's beard, poison ivy, wild parsnip, cocklebur, pigweed, common lambsquarter, curled dock, hemp, and English plantain. (300.3)