Hello Ginny, and thanks for using the Ask an Expert System,

There are a number of commercial “Organic Weed Killers” but their effectiveness varies, and they are expensive. Here is a procedure if the area is not on a slope.

1.  Mow the weeds with your lawn mower set at the lowest setting.  If you plan to keep the ferns avoid mowing them and carefully hand pull any weeds around them.

2.  Put down a layer of newspaper 5 to 10 sheets thick.

3.  Saturate the newspaper with water to soften it and get it to lie flat on the ground. 

4.  Apply a 4 to 5 inch layer of mulch. 

This will not work on a steep slope as the mulch tends to slide off, or wash off in heavy rain.    

You can get additional help with your questions through your local Penn State Extension Office and its Master Gardener Hotline.  You can find information on how to contact the hotline at

• http://extension.psu.edu/plants/master-gardener/counties/erie/hotline

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. - Noon, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.