Which is an effective method of controlling weeds in a garden?

Mulching is an effective method of controlling weeds in a garden because it involves covering the soil with a layer of material—such as straw, wood chips, or landscape fabric—that suppresses weed growth while helping to retain moisture and improve soil health. The barrier created by mulch prevents sunlight from reaching the weed seeds, inhibiting their germination and growth. Additionally, mulch can regulate soil temperature and provide organic matter to the soil as it breaks down over time, which further enhances the garden environment.

In contrast, watering excessively can lead to waterlogged soil and promote the growth of unwanted plants, including weeds. Planting weeds would obviously increase their presence in the garden rather than controlling them. Regular fertilizing can encourage the growth of both desirable plants and weeds, potentially worsening the weed problem rather than mitigating it.