Cover crops

To control weeds in your garden, late summer and early fall is the best time to make a difference

<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/757899/original/file-20260903-60-x4fizn.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.1&rect=43%2C0%2C2913%2C1941&q=45&auto=format&w=1050&h=700&fit=crop" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Late summer and early fall are a perfect time to fight weeds in the garden.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/kim-payne-of-westbrook-weeds-the-1912-garden-that-was-news-photo/1167026588">Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>As late summer fades into early autumn, garden care shifts from active harvesting to preparation and planning for the next growing season. Weeds can feel like an overwhelming management task as the summer species burst into flower and spread seeds. </p> <p>However, late summer and early fall is the single best time for weed control that lasts year-round. What gardeners do at this time of year will