How to Get Rid of Johnson Grass in a Vegetable Bed

Johnson grass is an invasive perennial weed that crowds out native species and vegetable plants. When this grass grows in vegetable gardens, it competes with wanted plants for sunlight, air and the soil's nutrients. This grass is recognizable by its wide leaves, thick midribs and 6- to 8-inch height. Before planting your garden, remove any Johnson grass you see. When the weed pops up during the growing season, use an herbicide to keep the weed from harming your vegetable plants.

Herbicide
Spade
Trowel
Landscaping fabric
Landscaping pins
Mulch

Instructions

- 1
  Spray an herbicide that contains sethoxydim on Johnson grass that is less than 4 inches tall. Use the herbicide on a rain-free day, so that the toxins can be absorbed into the grass blades.
- 2
  Dig up Johnson grass taller than 4 inches. Push a spade or trowel into the soil two inches from the base of the grass and 4 inches deep. Scoop up the roots through the garden soil to remove the entire plant.
- 3
  Roll out a piece of landscaping fabric near your vegetable garden. Landscaping fabric works by smothering Johnson grass seeds to prevent them from germinating. Cut the fabric to the size of the vegetable bed. Make X-shaped cuts into the fabric to fit over the vegetable plants.
- 4
  Spread the fabric over the vegetable plants and carefully pull the plants through the slits. Secure the edges of the landscaping fabric with landscaping pins. Place a pin every one to two feet.
- 5
  Spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch over the fabric to increase its effectiveness and protect it from the sun, which can cause the fabric to decompose.

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