Once summer weather rolls around it brings with it green lawns and bountiful gardens, however there is also one aspect of this time of year all gardeners dislike, weeds. Finding out what to use to kill weeds is important to keep them from spoiling the look and health of one's property. Fortunately there are many safe and natural ways to do this without resorting to harmful chemicals.
Pulling weeds is still one of the best ways to eliminate them, and knowing the proper technique is necessary. When the soil is damp, pull each weed from its roots by digging down so the bottom of its root system can be removed. Afterwards they can be composted for a natural garden fertilizer.
Suffocating these garden invaders is another way to eliminate them, when their sunlight is cut off they cannot survive. This can be accomplished by cutting old newspapers into wide strips and laying them on top of areas affected by weed growth and covering them with garden mulch. Several layers of newspapers may be needed, to prevent stronger weeds from poking through.
Many store-bought herbicides contain some harmful chemicals which may hurt people or animals, instead one can prepare a homemade weed-killer that is made only of normal, household ingredients and is not hazardous. Put in a spray bottle two cups of white vinegar, one-half cup of salt, and a few drops of dish detergent and mix thoroughly. Spray directly on weeds, but avoid contact with vegetable as it may damage them.
Areas such as between paving stones in the garden can be kept free of unwanted weed growth by the use of salt. Rock salt used in winter to prevent ice from forming is ideal for this purpose, but even household table salt works fine. Just sprinkle it along these cracks, taking care not to touch the lawn or garden, as it can kill them as well.
The heat of fire is a powerful natural weed-killer. This does not mean starting an actual fire, but rather simply passing a hot flame over the weedy areas, the heat effectively dries up the moisture within them, which causes them to shrivel up and die. Propane-powered weed scorchers designed for this purpose or regular, general-use blowtorches can both suffice for this purpose.
In ornamental flower beds, it is possible to plan one's plantings in such a way that it will reduce the likelihood of weeds being able to thrive there. Selecting ground covering plants that by nature prevent weed species from getting the nutrients, sun, and water they require to flourish is a good way to avoid this issue altogether. Examples include creeping thyme, Walker's low catmint, and Majestic lilyturf, to name just a few.
A process known as "solarizing" has also been proven to effectively reduce weed growth in both the current and upcoming planting seasons. This should be done during the summer to prepare the beds for fall planting activities. First rake and till the soil, eliminating any debris and dig an 8-inch deep trench around the bed's outer edges, then lay a thin, clear sheet of plastic over it, placing the edges in the trench. Fill in trenches with soil to hold the plastic in place. This should remain for 4-6 weeks after which it can be removed, fertilized and used for planting.
Pulling weeds is still one of the best ways to eliminate them, and knowing the proper technique is necessary. When the soil is damp, pull each weed from its roots by digging down so the bottom of its root system can be removed. Afterwards they can be composted for a natural garden fertilizer.
Suffocating these garden invaders is another way to eliminate them, when their sunlight is cut off they cannot survive. This can be accomplished by cutting old newspapers into wide strips and laying them on top of areas affected by weed growth and covering them with garden mulch. Several layers of newspapers may be needed, to prevent stronger weeds from poking through.
Many store-bought herbicides contain some harmful chemicals which may hurt people or animals, instead one can prepare a homemade weed-killer that is made only of normal, household ingredients and is not hazardous. Put in a spray bottle two cups of white vinegar, one-half cup of salt, and a few drops of dish detergent and mix thoroughly. Spray directly on weeds, but avoid contact with vegetable as it may damage them.
Areas such as between paving stones in the garden can be kept free of unwanted weed growth by the use of salt. Rock salt used in winter to prevent ice from forming is ideal for this purpose, but even household table salt works fine. Just sprinkle it along these cracks, taking care not to touch the lawn or garden, as it can kill them as well.
The heat of fire is a powerful natural weed-killer. This does not mean starting an actual fire, but rather simply passing a hot flame over the weedy areas, the heat effectively dries up the moisture within them, which causes them to shrivel up and die. Propane-powered weed scorchers designed for this purpose or regular, general-use blowtorches can both suffice for this purpose.
In ornamental flower beds, it is possible to plan one's plantings in such a way that it will reduce the likelihood of weeds being able to thrive there. Selecting ground covering plants that by nature prevent weed species from getting the nutrients, sun, and water they require to flourish is a good way to avoid this issue altogether. Examples include creeping thyme, Walker's low catmint, and Majestic lilyturf, to name just a few.
A process known as "solarizing" has also been proven to effectively reduce weed growth in both the current and upcoming planting seasons. This should be done during the summer to prepare the beds for fall planting activities. First rake and till the soil, eliminating any debris and dig an 8-inch deep trench around the bed's outer edges, then lay a thin, clear sheet of plastic over it, placing the edges in the trench. Fill in trenches with soil to hold the plastic in place. This should remain for 4-6 weeks after which it can be removed, fertilized and used for planting.
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