How Long To Wait To Plant Flowers, Vegs&ground Cover After Removing Burmuda, Foxtail, Sedgegrass?

Question

Zone 9:very rare to have more than 1/2″ rain/year. But rained most days from Nov2022 to may 2023& got lots of burmuda grass, Foxtails,sedge/nut grass & seeds etc. If an area gets a little water, more weeds instantly pop up. Been digging weeds since January. I don’t use chemicals. Are there ways to suppress the weeds and still have some flowers and vegs? Any suggestions? The soil I amended with top soil in the Spring might be able to grow flowers & vegetables. The rest of the soil is rock hard. How might I get that soil soft? We’ve had triple digits most of July so that area probably will only grow weeds this summer. Thank you for your help.

Answer 1

You need to continue to add soil amendments such as manure or compost to soften it. Adding a three inch layer of mulch between your plantings will help discourage weeds. You also can use a weed barrier cloth on top of the soil. You are able to cut holes in the fabric to add plants. On top of that you can add mulch. You also might consider a raised bed on top of the rocky soil.

Here is more:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/what-is-soil-conditioner.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/how-to-soften-soil.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/best-time-to-amend-soil.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/weeds/weed-barriers-in-gardens.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/mulch/choosing-garden-mulch.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/xeriscape/using-raised-beds-for-hot-regions.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/raised-bed-soil-depth.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/making-unframed-raised-beds.htm