When Weeds Talk: A Diagnostic Approach to Weed Management
With Jay McCaman
From
February 11, 2026
Virtual Workshop
Appropriate For:
Farmers and Gardeners, Organic Supporters
Presenters:
Jay McCaman
Focus:
Weeds, soil ammendments, crop rotations, cultivation
When Weeds Talk: A Diagnostic Approach to Weed Management
The weeds in your field are trying to tell you something and Jay McCaman, author of When Weeds Talk, has spent his career learning their language – particularly within organic and ecologically managed systems.
Weeds are often pickier than they appear, with each species requiring a narrow window of soil conditions in order to thrive. In this virtual workshop, Jay will share practical insights on how to recognize what weeds reveal about soil health and how growers can create a targeted soil management strategy to combat them.
Made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of
Additional Resources
Can we get a copy of the slides and recording?
Yes! We will send a copy of the slides and a link to the video recording to all registered participants. If you have specific questions, feel free to reach out directly as well at paul@mainegrains.com.
What is the name of Jay's book?
When Weeds Talk by Jay L. McCaman (Acres U.S.A.)
Was another weed management book mentioned?
Yes.
Integrated Weed Management (referenced during the discussion).
Where can I learn more about no-work gardening?
The presenter referenced:
The Ruth Stout No-Work Garden Book
There is also a great interview video of Ruth Stout available online.
Can you share more about Bindweed and Thistle?
Bindweed and thistle were topics of interest during the Q&A. These perennial weeds are often indicators of compacted or imbalanced soils. Long-term management strategies focus on improving soil structure, balancing minerals, and increasing organic matter.
What was said about calcium application?
Jay referenced applying calcium annually as part of a soil balancing strategy.
One participant noted:
-
Approximately 2 gallons of liquid calcium per acre (as mentioned in discussion)
It is important to base calcium applications on a soil test and select appropriate calcium sources suited to your soil’s mineral profile.
Where can I continue learning about weed and soil management?
We will be continuing these conversations at the upcoming:
Organic Grain and Seed Summit
April 17–18 (Central Maine)
We hope you’ll join us!
Where are the great newsletters Jay mention?
More info on renewable agriculture and food systems education
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/renewable-agriculture-and-food-systems