In article ,
Cereoid+10+ wrote:
The only organic method of removing weeds is to physically pull them out by
hand (or with tools).

There are a lot of methods of killing or preventing the growth of weeds
that don't involve use of herbicides. Mulching is not only effective, but
improves the soil as the mulch breaks down. If you don't like the stuff
growing between paving stones, you can pour boiling water on it. To save
energy, use the water you just drained your pasta out of. Some weeds can
be controlled by cultivating or mowing at the appropriate time. I got rid
of 90% of the goldenrod in a pasture once by mowing it just as it was coming
into bloom. Most plants put their remaining resources into regrowth and
didn't survive the winter. You can control low growing weeds in a lawn by
never mowing close to the ground, allowing the grass to compete by shading
them out, etc.

If you understand the requirements and life cycle of the weeds, you can
usually figure out a way to bias things in favour of your crop and against
the weeds without herbicides.

Since the top soil is completely removed during home building and later
replaced with sod, it is extremely unlikely that there are any plants that
are "naturally" occurring in your yard.

Depends on how long ago the house was built, what's around it and what has
been grown on the lot since. But it's true that apart from goldenrod
(Solidago spp) and milkweed (Asclepias), most crop weeds in this part of
North America are Eurasian introductions. However, on roadsides and
neglected land you may find quite a few of the more assertive native plants.

Robyn, since you're interested in useful herbs, you're in luck because
most of the information available is about just those Eurasian weeds that
are no doubt flourishing in your garden. If you're concerned about bylaws
preventing you from growing what you want, you should be aware of a
substantial movement for 'naturalizing' suburban lots, by planting them
with prairie grasses and forbs in suitable climates. These sites are
not mowed, fertilized or watered once established. Bylaws are usually
enforced on a complaint-only basis, so if your neighbours understand what
you're trying to do, they may become interested and supportive of your
project. There are many books and web sites about this sort of thing.
Perhaps another poster can suggest some. I recommend you visit a large
library and see what's available in the gardening and botany sections,
to help you figure out which books are most worth purchasing for your
interests.