Weed control refers to the methods used to manage unwanted plants that compete with desired crops or garden plants. Effective weed control helps improve crop yields and maintain the health of gardens by reducing competition for nutrients, water, and sunlight. Common techniques include manual removal, mulching, and the use of herbicides. There are two main types of weed control: preventive and reactive. Preventive measures focus on stopping weeds before they grow, such as using landscaping fabric or cover crops. Reactive measures involve addressing existing weed problems through methods like hand-pulling or applying chemical herbicides.