Weeds provide clues on the health of your soil.  A healthy growing environment for grass will dramatically reduce the number and amount of weeds one finds in the garden.  A healthy soil environment is one in which microbes thrive.  Using organic fertilizer (such as one derived from poultry litter) will feed the microbes.  In turn the microbes will feed the grass.  The grass will squeeze out the weeds.

Soil Conditions

• Bindweed - Tight crusted soil, low in humus
• Chickweed - High organic matter at surface, poor organic matter decay, low mineral content
• Dandelion - Low calcium, poor decay of organic matter
• Johnson Grass - Low organic matter, low calcium and overworked soils
• Morning Glory - Tight crusted soil, poorly decaying organic matter, low calcium and low phosphorous
• Nutgrass - Poorly draining soils, wet conditions
• Ragweed - Dry conditions, potassium is tied up in the soil
• Grass Burr - Poor soil, low in organic matter