Home gardeners are out in full force this spring tending to lawns, gardens and flower beds. But most of us will find it's not all smooth sailing. Inevitably we will need to battle persistent weeds that rob nutrients and moisture from our prized plantings. University of Idaho weed scientist Don Morishita says homeowners can benefit from what professional farmers have known for years: an "integrated" weed management plan is best.

Compost can be a gardener's best friend. It can deliver dramatic improvements in soil quality and nutrients to nourish your plants throughout the growing season. But unless you use the right techniques, you may also find yourself with a bumper crop of weeds.