Controlling weeds is a little like losing weight: The best strategy is prevention.

But that rarely works in real life, where most of us and the things we create are quite imperfect. Embrace this concept, understand that absolute weed control is an illusion, then do your best to stay ahead.

The National Gardening Association says 11.8 million U.S. households purchased herbicide and weed-control products last year. For all the fancy stuff on the market, though, the smartest way for backyard gardeners may still be the old-fashioned way — pulling the whole plant out of the ground, preferably when it's young and tender and hasn't gone to seed. This is easier when the ground is moist.

Hand-weeding takes time, stresses the back, and doesn't prevent weeds from reappearing. So here are a few other suggestions from the experts:

• Till. Do this to bring weed seeds to the surface. Wait two weeks and do it again; this chops up the seeds.

• Compete. When properly maintained, ground covers like vinca or pachysandra can resist weed invasion. Weeds love to have patches of bare soil all to themselves; deprive them.

• Shade. Weed seeds need light to sprout, so shade the soil around your desired plants with a cover of organic or paper mulch, wet newspapers, or black plastic.

• Shield. Edging materials made of brick or plastic placed around your gardens can help keep lawn grass and weeds from creeping in.

• Spray. If using a herbicide, start with one that has low toxicity and always follow directions. Aim well.

• Dig. Buy a dandelion digger or weed hoe to pry up stubborn weeds.

• Take care with compost. Avoid tossing weeds in if you don't want a weed jamboree next spring.

• Be prepared for a lifetime of vigilance. And if you miss a few weeds, consider them wildflowers.

For more information, visit: www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov and www.rce.rutgers.edu/weeds.