Are you tired of weeds in your garden? Are they holding your garden back? Weeds are the most common challenges that every gardener or landscaper has to face. We want weeds to stay out of our beautiful garden and landscapes. Although fighting with weeds is a year round job, fall and early spring is the best time to practice weed prevention. The best defense against weeds is your thick and healthy lawn. Here are few useful weed control measures that you can take to make your garden healthy and attractive.
Difference between annual and perennial weeds
First understand the difference between annual and perennial weeds. Annual weeds have shallow roots and they die out at the end of the year. You need to eliminate them when they are sprouts, to avoid spreading of seeds. You can easily pull them out from the roots. Perennial weeds are rigid and are spread by underground runners. Even if a part of the root is left behind in the soil, they will come back again. Therefore, when digging these weeds out, make sure you remove as much root as possible.
Eliminate the weeds while they are still small
Removing weeds while they are still small is the key to effective weed control, which will stop them from spreading. You need to practice this on annual weeds because it only takes couple weeks for them to become sprouts and then flower and lastly seed.
Cultivate the soil to control weeds
Cultivating is nothing but breaking the soil surface to help you remove the weeds. This simple process will help you pull out weeds much easier. You should do it in a moist soil (not wet) and when the plants are still small. For perennial weeds, you need to dig them out completely with a shovel, before your start cultivating. You don't want to cut off their roots resulting in more roots.
Lay down your mulch to control weeds
Mulching is an effective means of removing weeds. It is useful for removing the annual varieties. Lay a thick layer of organic mulch around your plant, which will prevent the lights from reaching the weeds and they will die ultimately. Another way is to lay down a layer of black polythene fabric in between the plant rows and bury it with decorative mulch. This will block the necessary sunlight and water from reaching the weeds, which will prevent their growth.
Control your weeds by applying best herbicide
You can use an herbicide from any gardening store, but choose the one that kills only weeds. It kills everything that comes in contact, so be very careful when applying it. There are two types of herbicide, pre-emergent and post emergent. Pre-emergent herbicide is used to kill the seedlings before they develop and post emergent herbicide for mature plants. You can also make your own herbicide at home. It is safer for your yard and your family. You can use vinegar, orange oil, salt, soap, and lemon juice to create an herbicide recipe.
You can successfully control most weeds in your garden or lawn by following few basic gardening practices. Regular use of mulches, cultivating and a watchful eye keep your garden beautiful and healthy.
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