Weeds are a bane of any gardener. Weeding is one of those things that everyone hates but it’s something that must be done.
For any gardener, it’s a problem trying to control weeds. It is something that will need to be done on a regular basis to keep your plants healthy. Mulching and composting is essential for controlling weeds.
When your seedlings are still small, you need to use a hoe to get rid of tiny weeds.
After your plants get bigger and the soil warms up, lay down some mulch around the plants to smother the weeds and it will hold moisture in.
You can use ingredients for your mulch like grass clippings, pine needles, mulched leaves and chopped straw. Use several inches of mulch.
You need to be aware that if you put grass clippings in your garden without composting it first, you could bring in insects or disease. It’s best to always compost the ingredients before you use them in your mulch.
The mulch will prevent light from reaching the weed. Even if a few weeds pop through, the roots are shallow and are easy to pull out.
When you make your own organic mulch with leaves and grass clippings, as they decompose they feed the soil. Compost will also work as a weed barrier. If you use kitchen waste for your compost pile, you may inadvertently grow a few crops by accident.
It’s not uncommon to be pleasantly surprised by a few rogue cherry tomato plants. Tomato seeds commonly get put into compost piles and end up germinated all by themselves.
If it’s too wet in your area, mulching may not be the best thing. If you live in an area that gets dry spells, the mulch will hold in moisture. Always make sure that you check the soil under the mulch to make sure there is enough moisture.
Although mulch is great for your garden, it’s possible to mess things up.
You could use ground covers to control weeds too. This is also known as soil solarization. You put some thick plastic sheeting over the weeds and then, let the sun bake the weeds. This can take a while, so be patient.
Some people may use newspapers. The good thing about newspaper is that it will decompose naturally so it’s good for the environment. Just put four or five layers of paper between the plants. You can cover the paper with a thin layer of dirt to keep it from blowing away. You could also use grocery bags or cardboard.
Corn gluten meal will prevent weeds from growing. The corn gluten meal stops the weed seeds from germinating. If the weeds have sprouted, the gluten will not eliminate them.
If you are just starting some seeds, you have to be very careful when using corn gluten meal. It will prevent your plants from germinating as well.
If you want to avoid chemicals in your garden, you are going to have to eliminate weeds the old-fashioned way. It simply cant be helped. Good old hoeing is one of the best ways to get rid of weeds.
Use the hoe to chop the roots right below the surface of the soil. Make sure that your hoe is sharpened so it makes the work much easier.
The best way to hoe without hurting your back is to hold the hoe like a broom. Make sure both thumbs are pointing upwards as you grip the hoe. Then just skim the hoe blade through the top of the dirt.
You may have to pull some weeds with your hands. As long as you keep up with the weeds, it won’t be too overwhelming and kill your back from bending over too long.
One last method for eliminating weeds is common white vinegar. Just use a spray bottle to apply. You must be careful not to get it on the crops you want to harvest. It will kill them, too.
Use these tips to keep weeds from overtaking your garden. By keeping the weeds under control, your crops won’t have to fight with weeds for the precious nutrients in the soil. Keep weeds out of your garden for a healthier, more plentiful harvest.
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