How can I prevent weeds from growing in my garden?
Raised beds generally require less weeding than in-ground gardens. Soil conditions are more controlled with less foreign seeds, and the planter sides are barriers against invading plants. Fill the tops of raised beds with sterile bag soil and mulch around plants to prevent airborn seeds from taking root. Keep the grounds around your garden free of weeds and mow tall grasses before they can go to seed.
If noxious plants do appear, the best approach is to weed often and early. Young weeds are easier to pull out than mature plants. Use a hand tool to dig up long tap roots and banish the whole plant to the compost pile. If you leave the root system in ground you will likely see the weed growing back a few days later. An ounce of prevention and a bit of weeding each week will keep your garden from getting out of hand.