10 Weed Control Techniques
Is your lawn becoming over run with weeds? Here's 10 techniques to help get rid of them.
You might see every unwanted plant in your garden as a weed. However, there are only a few that are problematic and invasive. You can choose dangerous chemicals for weed removal purposes. However, most of these weeds are resistant to herbicides.
Many Australian needs respond much better to other methods of weed control. Using alternative weeding methods will also limit the number of chemicals required in your yard, and that’s great for your pets and kids. So if you’re ready to wake up to a weed-free yard, try the following 10 weed control techniques.
Looking to remove weeds with your own ride-on mower?
#1 MULCHING
Mulching blocks the weeds from getting sunlight so they don’t grow. Also, it allows moisture retention and provides enough nutrients for the other plants through decomposition. Additionally, the mulch moderates soil temperatures.
Here are a few mulching techniques to consider for the ultimate weed control results:
You can prevent weed from growing by covering the soil between the plants and along the rows with mulch.
Add the mulch a few inches from the base of your plants to prevent insect infestations and also prevent rotting.
You can use organic mulch such as wheat straw, wood chips, shredded leaves for the best results. Make sure you layer the organic mulch on the ground with a thickness of 2 inches.
You can also turn to inorganic mulch such as landscaping fabric, black plastic for the best results.
If you use a leaf blower, check whether it has a shredder that turns the debris into garden mulch. Consider this option and save a lot of money and time that would have been wasted making your own mulch.
If the weeds are too many or persistent, you can cover the area with dampened newspaper before placing 2 inches of mulch. Use landscape fabric around the bases of shrubs and trees then add organic mulch.
#2 PLANT COVER CROPS IN YOUR GARDEN
You should plant cover crops in your garden such as barley, clover and wheat. These can be planted as a means of weed control. They are beneficial plants that spread very fast. You can actually use these cover crops to block the weeds.
#3 PULL OUT THE WEEDS
Eventually, you will be forced to pull out the weeds as part of a control measure. When doing this, you need to wear waterproof gloves.
Also, look for a comfortable sitting pad if you are going to do it for a long time. Make sure you pull out the roots of the weeds. That’s because most of the common weeds such as dandelions will grow back if their roots are left in the ground.
“it’s easier to pull out weeds when the ground is wet or when the weeds are still young. pull out the weeds from the ground close to the soil line. If you miss the roots, you can use a fork to pry the weed gently out of the ground with the roots intact.””
#4 CHOP DOWN THE WEEDS
If you are having a lot of trouble digging out the weeds, you can chop off their heads to avoid any seeds from germinating.
You should chop down their heads at least once every week for the best results.
#5 MINIMISE SOIL DISRUPTION
If you are having a lot of trouble digging out the weeds, you can chop off their heads to avoid any seeds from germinating.
You should chop down their heads at least once every week for the best results.
#6 TRIM YOUR GARDEN HEDGES
Well, you can prevent a weed invasion by mowing the edges. However, you might have a hard time getting the weeds along the edges of your lawn, around fence lines or posts or close to the planting beds.
Well, that’s where a trimmer comes in handy. You can use it to remove the weeds that have grown deeper into the ground.
#7 REDUCE THE OPEN GARDEN SPACE
Do you have rich soil with proper drainage? Well, you can plant everything closer together.
It’s a good way to reduce the growth of weeds.
“you should plant the warm weather plants as soon as possible to avoid leaving the soil bare for a long time.
At the end of the warm weather, you should plant cover crops such as winter wheat, ryegrass and oats to keep the weeds away.”
#8 LET THE WEEDS GROW TEMPORARILY
You can allow the weeds to grow in your garden right before planting season begins.
You should lay plastic sheets over the garden during early spring to keep the soil warm and allow the weeds to grow. Once they are a few inches above the ground, you should hoe them out or pull them before planting other crops.
#9 DRIP IRRIGATION
Only water the plants that need watering using drip irrigation, to prevent the weeds from growing.
#10 EAT THE WEEDS?!
It may sound like a wild strategy, but some weeds are edible! Some weeds such as purslane, amaranth and lamb’s quarters can be eaten so you can pick them, enjoy them and control their growth in your garden.
Use these weed control methods for the best results!
Or, if you want the shortcut to a professional and weed-free lawn, why not invest in the best?