Home gardeners look forward to that first ripe tomato or ear of corn they pick from their carefully tended gardens. After some vigorous gardening on a hot, humid day, you may wonder if it is all worth it.
Weeds compete with crops for water, nutrients and sunlight. Some weeds, like quackgrass, can chemically inhibit vegetable plant growth. Others host insect pests and disease pathogens. All of these result in fewer fresh vegetables for your table.