One summer I didn't control crabgrass very well in some parts of my garden. The following year the crabgrass became even more of a control problem in those areas than it already had been before.

Now to control crabgrass I follow several simple steps. The steps to control crabgrass really are simple, though the work isn't necessarily easy. The goal is to not allow the crabgrass to go to seed.

First, I hoe and/or till early and often. Hoeing seedling crabgrass when the surface of the soil is dry and the sun is out is one of the most effective steps to control crabgrass.

If the soil is moist and the sun is not out, I pull any larger crabgrass plants by hand, making sure to get the crown of the plant so it cannot re-grow.

Crabgrass can grow out of control very quickly when the weather is right. Now and then when crabgrass does go to seed in my garden, I will pull the crabgrass by hand if time allows, but otherwise I at least remove the seed stalks, in bunches if necessary, being careful not to drop seeds on the soil.

Crabgrass takes some work and organization to control.