Don't you just love when you pull up a weed after a good rain and you see the whole root? You're right about the small ones...higher chance of getting it all!

So true, I have been lax in times past but this Spring I have been out enjoying the weather...and pulling those little weeds. MUCH easier than pulling the big ones!

and better than weed-whacking (although I usually wind up doing that instead). I've actually been weeding this year, and loving how you see the immediate difference.

- great to see immediate results! Weeding is actually relaxing for me too.

I have 2 plants on ID because I suspect they are not weeds.This time of year the only identifiable weeds are dandelions in the middle of siberian iris.

Early removal is def. the way to go.Thanks for the tip.

Isn't that frustrating when dandelions get in the iris? I'm battling that right now too.

Amen to the weeding.
I actually find it a nice, meditative way to spend time in the garden.
I park my *large* post menopausal self on right the ground, sit, and enjoy!
I hear the birds, see the butterflies and get aquainted with the earthworms.
I don't get why so many people see it as a crummy chore.

EXCEPT that they probably put it off until the weeds are big, hard to pull and ARE a chore!

Usually I don't mind weeding and I try and pull them as soon as possible, I don't like weeding when I have to rush and finish the job, usually because of planned camping trips, just seems like there is never enough time.

Yes, I do have the luxury of time.
It's all part of my stress reduction plan.....

Yes, BUT, sometimes it's far easier to grab hold of the weed if you let it get a bit bigger.

Good point Ann!

One way to get the whole root is to loosen the soil around the root, in a complete circle. Once, in heavy clay, I pulled a big strong root and came up with a solid, conical core of clay clinging to it. It looked like a carrot made of clay!

I can testify: don't let your weeds go to seed! That is a LOSING strategy.

This WW I spike bayonet is my favorite weeding tool. The circular cross section lets me 'swizzle" a circle around the weed. The gradual taper lets me push it deep even in hard clay.

I use a "drain spade" and dig a circle around tap rooted weeds - usually when it's MUDDY there!

I enjoy playing in the mud.