Destroy them before they go to seed.

Yes that would be good idea but I would think that it might be too late.

A couple applications of Glyphosate (Roundup) now and then again in a few weeks would work if you are not adverse to using herbicides.

Solarizing is another option and now is a good time with the summer heat. Just cover the beds with clear plastic and the weeds should cook to death. You will still have some existing weed seeds that will continue to sprout after solarizing but they should be easily controlled by periodic hoeing.

I wouldn't use a herbicide on annuals that are going to seed. They are going to die anyway, leaving their seeds behind and you will still need to remove them! Instead, I would pull out all the weeds and either solarize the soil (as LoneJack said) or put a tarp over the area to stop the weeds from growing now and in the spring.

Depending where you live, you could always plant some bush beans. You'd probably get a harvest in the fall AND they would help to add nitrogen to the soil. Just cut the plants at the soil line when the time comes, leaving the roots to decompose over the winter and add their goodies to the soil.

Linda

"My current question is would it be best to battle the weeds now or wait till the end of the growing season (around mid Ocotber here) to eliminate them? I'd like to start as fresh as possible."

NOW. Rip out by hand as much as you can and start tilling or turning the soil over as much as possible between now and when the ground freezes. Try to do that at least twice, 3 times if possible. As new weeds sprout pull them. Then once the soil can't be worked any longer lay down a thick layer of straw mulch all over the bed for the winter. Come spring planting time you should be able to just pull the mulch aside a bit to plant and once things are up, slide it back into place.

Dave

I good time to start is when the mood hits you.

Remember, all that weed growth is good for composting and can eventually be returned to your garden/vegetable bed.

And also, those weeds have done you a favour. They have improved soil that otherwise may have been devoid of growth. Fallow areas are not better off.

Enjoy the challenge.

right now the soil is too hard for deep rooted weeds like dandelion, which are best extracted in fall or spring. It is important that they do not go to seed, in which case you have to act now, but beyond that, you can start when you want.

Good point glib.

Here we are still in winter and our soil is moist and right for digging. Plus I am on a mission to destroy every piece of couch I see. And even some that I don't.

remember that, when you weed, you are trying to do something against nature, which, as we all know, abhors a vacuum, specially a vacuum in the garden fertile soil. if that sounds like a lot of frustrating work, it is sounding exactly right. Mulch is the one and only answer for those who can't stand another type of plant in their beds, but if not, underplanting with something edible (choosing your own weeds) is the other possibility.