Thermal weeding: an effective solution for organic micro-farms
What is Thermal Weeding?
Thermal weeding is an innovative, environmentally-friendly method that is proving to be an effective solution for eliminating weeds. The technique is based on the use of heat generated by a gas-fired burner. By concentrating the action of the heat on unwanted plants, this approach gradually destroys the plant cells, drying them out until they are completely extinguished.
There are several advantages to using heat as a weedkiller. Firstly, it avoids the use of chemicals, which are often harmful to the environment and human health. What's more, this method enables weeds to be precisely targeted without affecting surrounding crops or the soil.
The thermal weeding process is simple: the burner heats the weeds to a temperature sufficient to cause the plant cells to burst. This cellular destruction causes the plants to wilt and die within a few days.
The Neversink Farm burner: an innovative tool
On our microfarm, Les Jardins de la Valette, we use a thermal burner developed by Neversink Farm. This tool, specially designed for micro-farms, enables us to manage weeds efficiently.
Adapted to the scale of our farm, this burner is ergonomic and easy to use, even in confined spaces. It reflects our commitment to sustainable agricultural practices, guaranteeing healthy, natural products for our consumers while protecting the environment. Thanks to this tool, we keep our plots clean and preserve the biodiversity of our ecosystem.
Advantages of Thermal Weeding
The adoption of thermal weeding has many advantages for market gardeners, including :
Ease of use: This lightweight tool can weed a whole bed in just a few minutes. Two passes over the bed will burn its entire width.
Efficiency: Heat quickly destroys weeds, saving time without waiting for a tarpaulin to destroy them completely.
Optimizing false seeding: We use this tool in particular for growing carrots, a crop that requires a clean seedbed.
The thermal burner is a versatile tool that can be effectively used on other crops than those protected by tarpaulin, such as beet. If necessary, it can also be used to eliminate persistent weeds after a period of insufficient covering.
Putting it into practice: Growing carrots
To go further
100% online training in organic market gardening
Our training courses are like ready-made kits adapted to France (climate, laws, sales methods, organization). They are designed for market gardeners who want to improve their results, and also for those who have a project in mind.
An internship in market gardening
As a trainee, you'll be able to get involved in all stages of vegetable production, from seed preparation to tillage and fertilization.