Our real estate agents know one of the biggest reasons manypeople look forward to owning a home is to have a garden. Gardening is a fun and rewarding hobby, but it also means staying vigilant for that ever-present pest: Weeds.

National Weed Your Garden Day isJune 13, a Saturday this year. It's the perfect time to get some fresh air and work on the best ways to protect your garden from weeds. Here's how to stay one step ahead of these troublesome invaders:

1. Minimize Soil Disturbance
   Most lawns have been heavily infiltrated by weed seeds. So, why aren't there weeds everywhere you look? It's because only seeds that reachthe top two inches of soil get the sunlight neededto germinate. To prevent weed seeds from seeing the light of day, dig only when you need to.
2. Mulch Early and Often
   Mulch helpsyour soil stay cool and moist while also keeping light away from weeds. Organic mulches can be attractive to crickets and beetles that actively feed on weeds, too. Mulch is best at a depth ofabout two inches – more than this can reduce the oxygen content in the soil. Spread mulch over a thin layer of biodegradable fabric to maximize your weed protection.
3. Choose Your Mulches Carefully
   Mulch is vital. But, it can give cover to unwanted guests. Get rid of all existing weeds before you mulch, and use only weed-free mulches from a reliable source. Leaf compost is a great option for most garden beds. When making your own mulch, use a straw instead of hay. Straw is virtually always weed-free, but hay can be rich in weed seeds.
4. Weed at the Right Times
   Believe it or not, there's a best time to weed. Weeding is best done right after a major rain. If you have gone a long time without a good rain, you have options:Weeds sliced off just above the soil line will quickly wither away. After severing a weed, settle mulch over the area.
5. Optimize Your Plant Spacing
   Shading the soil between plants helps prevent weeds from emerging. Design your garden with drifts of closely spaced plants, and you'll be off to the races. Many plants will thrive even with about 25% removed from the recommended spacing. The exception? Plants that are vulnerable to foliar diseases. These plants need space and shouldn't touch other plants even at maturity.
6. Use Irrigation and Fertilizer to Your Advantage
   A whole book could be written about the best way to irrigate your garden – and has! The right irrigation approach will make your plants healthier and save you money at the same time. Drip hoses are ideal for this, as you can place them beneath mulch directly around your thirsty plants. Don't forget to give your garden a fresh helping of good compost regularly.
7. Use Cover Crops and Low-Growing Plants
   Cover crops can be a terrific way to add character to your garden and defend yourself against weeds at the same time. Clover, barley, and wheat are just a few of your options. Not only are they beneficial to most other plants, but they will happily block out weeds for you. Always look for ways to prevent bare spaces, since these are where weeds are likely to pop up first.

Contact usfor expert advice on buying or selling your home.