Weeds are a problem for every gardener and if you have just started out with the gardening, you will do well to remember a little test that will let you know if it’s a plant or a weed.
You should just pull up the plant and if it comes out easily, it was not a weed. The most commonly accepted definition of a weed is simply a plant that’s out of place.
Though the task of controlling weeds may seem like a giant problem to some of you, you should realize that it’s not the case. Here you can learn about how you can control weeds in gardens and lawns in an organic manner.
Though you might need to be patient while adopting these methods, you should realize that if you are patient and dedicated, you will get easily achievable and satisfactory results, without hiring professional gardening and landscaping services.
These methods would eliminate the weeds only and ensure that your garden or lawn thrives as usual.
Manual Methods
You should try the ages old method of pulling out the weed manually by manual extraction or hand pulling. This is the only option that offers instant results and keeps you in control most of the time. It’s also reliable if you are seeking selective control.
Though this method always garners great results, it’s not always a practical option as you may not have enough time to do it regularly or your garden or lawn may be too widespread to do all of it by yourself.
When trying this method, you must remember that the right time for manual extraction is just after a soaking rain because the soil is soft at that time and the roots easily yield to even the gentlest tug by you.
You should also remember one thing that the tap rooted weeds need to be pulled out in their entirety so that you get the entire root. If a piece remains, it will provide sufficient energy for that weed to even regenerate a new plant in short order.
Mulch
This is one of the most effective methods and it’s also very environment-friendly. In this method, you provide natural barriers to weed formation by adding a layer of mulch that is two to four inches thick. This amount of thickness would play a key role in preventing most weeds from germinating.
You can use any type of mulch for this purpose, be it plastic sheeting and wet newspapers with additional mulch on top or the traditional bark and straw mulch.
Just remember to buy only that mulch which is free of any harmful contaminants like arsenic from treated wood. Otherwise, you may actually create more problems that you solve.
Sprays
These methods may seem a bit easier and time-saving but they affect the plants on contact by desiccating or burning the cell structure of the plant.
You can try spraying boiling water as it can usually kill most of the weeds in one application. A few weeds like the ones with tap roots such as dandelions usually need multiple applications.
You can also use vinegar or acetic acid but you should remember that common household vinegar at just 5 percent concentration is not very effective for mature weeds. You need vinegar with more than 7 percent vinegar to deal with tougher weeds.
Sometimes, you may need multiple applications as well especially in cases of tap-rooted weeds such as thistle. It’s always better to be cautious while using vinegar as it can burn eyes or skin when comes to contact. You may also try approved sources for herbicide use by visiting farm supply stores or going online.
There is an abundance of plant-based ingredients like clove oil, citric oil, garlic, etc. which are non-selective post-emergent herbicides. While using them, you need to exercise caution as they injure or kill the vegetation they come in contact with.
While killing tougher weeds, you may need multiple applications. You can buy these products at garden centers or online sources of organic gardening supply.
Granular Pre-emergent
If you are looking for a product that helps with organic pre-emergent control, you should trust corn gluten which is a granular corn-based product. Though this option is effective, it may need several seasons to show the results.
It has 10 percent nitrogen by volume that would be handy for natural fertilization. Though this product is gaining popularity, it’s not available at all the retail garden centers.
Flame Weeders
These devices make use of the intense heat of a concentrated flame in order to destroy the cell structure of the plant. These devices are portable, effective and usually powered by a propane canister. To use it, you just need to pass the flame over the weed for a few seconds.
You don’t need to ignite or visibly burn the weed. You should be extra cautious while using this method and may need to go for multiple applications for tougher weeds.
It doesn’t matter which of the weed control methods you choose, what matters is that you try your best at ensuring that prevention of weeds becomes a reality the next year so that you don’t have to spend time and energy in controlling weeds.
It is also advised that you remove the weeds before they go to seed to save your garden or lawn and save yourself many hours of work.
