Tuesday’s night of rain brought a sigh of relief from local growers, providing just enough precipitation to take the edge off extremely dry conditions. Coupled with a forecast that calls for steamy 80-degree days ahead, plant growth will hit full tilt as we head into mid-July. And any crop that has been left to its own devices is in danger of being engulfed by pigweed, witch grass or lambs-quarter.

When it comes to weed control, mulches are a key component for main crops like tomatoes, peppers, squashes and cucumbers, and a weed suppressant between rows. Some folks lay out their rows spaciously enough to rototill. But ultimately it comes down to handwork with both a hoe and various small cultivation tools.

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