ragweed patch to pumpkin patch

[StaceyStar]

Hi, I have a 15'x15' area in my backyard that is filled, every inch of it, with very tall weeds (ragweed maybe? or weed-like things, nothing I want). I would love to turn this into a small pumpkin patch this year. I've pulled the tall dead weeds out and am wondering what I need to do to make it so they do not grow back, and I can plant pumpkins. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

[Newt]

Hi StacyStar,

I'm sure you have had an answer by now, but pull what weeds you can, add 4" of compost, mix it in and cover the soil with 6 sheets of moistened newspaper after you plant. Then put down a thin layer of dried grass clippings from a lawn that hasn't been treated with chemicals or use an inch of shredded wood mulch. Be sure to moisten the newspaper as you work or the first breeze will have you chasing them all over the yard. Been there!

I don't recommend a weed block in a veggie garden as you can't cultivate the soil if weeds do sprout. You can use one of these hoes to cut the weeds off at the soil surface once they do sprout.
http://www.oldhousejournal.com/magaz...nt-digIt.shtml

Newt