Co-Head Grower Anna Barret is fairly new to The Farm and has taken on the role of 'weeding lead' for the 2026 growing season. In practise this means keeping a close eye on the ground the first 10 days after planting a crop, or, in dry conditions, the 10 days following a meaningful rainfall. This is when the first flush of weeds begins to emerge and when timely action can make all the difference to the size and yield of a crop. Read on and make sure you don't miss the weed window this year!
On land with a long history of farming, it’s common to have a high weed burden- this is because each time a weed completes its life cycle, it returns seeds to the soil, building up what’s known as the soil seed bank. Some of these seeds germinate immediately, while others lie dormant, sometimes for years, waiting for the right combination of moisture, light, and space. As soon as conditions suit them, they spring into life, which is why managing weeds early is so important. The principle behind this approach is simple: never let the weeds get established. The ideal moment to act is when weeds are still at the cotyledon stage, showing just their first seed leaves. At this point, they’re easiest to control. As the saying goes, "If you can tell what it is, it's too late to weed it."
This season, we’re looking to invest in a Treffler harrow , thanks to a bit of secured funding. It’s a highly effective tool designed to target weeds just as they emerge from the soil. Mounted on the tractor, it allows us to cover large areas quickly, which is essential when conditions are right and timing is tight.
By focusing on these early interventions, we can reduce the number of weeds that reach maturity and return seeds to the soil, gradually lowering the overall weed pressure. Perennial weeds will still require their own management strategies, but keeping annual weeds in check is a crucial first step.
For now, it’s all about sharp timing, careful observation, and making the most of the tools we have to stay one step ahead.
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