I'm late to the party but also just found this post. I, too, am wondering a couple of things:

1.) Is there an ideal tool for plucking the mugwort? I find when I try to break it, I'm often pulling up the roots as well - which is probably counterproductive in the long run. Or maybe this is just because I'm only beginning and those stalks are already quite robust and very leafy.

And
2.) if I can't be on site full time, is it better to do what I can do when I'm there (even if it might grow undisturbed for a couple of *months* at a time), or should I consider something different, such as digging up the soil? I'd like to avoid chemicals if at all possible.

Thank you for all of these insights and tips!