Trying to get rid of weeds

Once you know the area you want to transform into the garden, mow the grass/weeds as close as possible and rake to remove all possible debris. Using tarps, paper sacks, newspapers, blankets, old carpet, etc. (anything that will prevent light from reaching the ground), and cover the area of the proposed garden. Weight this material down with block, wood, etc. You don't want light to reach this area and cause continuing growth. By blocking the light, you will be cause die-off of the vegetation, and when you are ready to prepare your new garden, it will be much easier because all weeds will have been smothered. Once you remove the tarps, rake up the dead vegetation (if there is any present...hopefully, it will have broken down by then). Amend your soil, choose your plants and get started with gardening.

If you have the time an energy to pick weeds, you can get rid of them, a little at a time. Pour hot water on a space, that you can manage. Wait 1-2 days for the weeds to die. Next, spray the area with the garden hose, soak it good. Wait 24 hrs, then pull the weeds out as close to the ground as possible, and you'll get it by the root. Pick another day to do a different space, use the same method. Good Luck!

Smother the weeds out with black plastic,once they are dead remove,turn the soil over and start amending with garden soil and lime.

I'm so impressed with all the responses. Thank you for taking the time.

Where was I all these days without knowing about hometalk?

Well, it's never too late, right!

what I like about the responses is that you all seem to be environmental-conscious . For a lifelong environmental engineer, that's so gratifying.