You can definitely put compost on top of weeds. In fact, it can be an effective way to suppress and prevent the regrowth of weeds in your garden beds. When you have collected enough compost, approximately 15 cm or 6 inches in depth, you can simply spread it over the existing weeds.
By applying a thick layer of compost, you create a physical barrier that blocks sunlight from reaching the weeds. Weeds require sunlight to grow, so depriving them of this essential resource helps to suppress their growth. Additionally, the compost layer acts as a mulch, helping to conserve moisture in the soil and prevent weed seeds from germinating.
It’s important to note that while compost can be effective in suppressing many types of weeds, there are some exceptions. Certain aggressive and persistent weeds, such as bindweed, marestail, or dense couch grass, may still be able to push through the compost layer and continue to grow. In such cases, it may be necessary to employ additional weed control measures.
If you are dealing with extreme amounts of bindweed, marestail, or dense couch grass, I would recommend using Option 1, which involves removing the existing weeds manually or using herbicides before applying the compost. This ensures that the compost layer is not compromised and provides a better chance of preventing the regrowth of these particularly stubborn weeds.
In my personal experience, I have found that applying compost on top of weeds has been an effective method of weed control in my garden beds. The compost not only helps to suppress weed growth but also improves the overall health and fertility of the soil. Over time, as the compost breaks down, it enriches the soil with nutrients and organic matter, creating a favorable environment for desired plants to thrive.
Applying compost on top of weeds can be an effective weed control method, especially when you have enough compost to create a 15 cm or 6-inch thick layer. This layer acts as a physical barrier, blocking sunlight and suppressing weed growth. However, for extremely persistent weeds like bindweed, marestail, or dense couch grass, additional measures may be necessary. It’s always important to monitor the effectiveness of your weed control methods and make adjustments as needed.
