Any plant that grows where it is not wanted is considered a weed. Not only are weeds an eyesore in the garden and lawn, they can steal important nutrients from the soil, causing lawn and garden plants and flowers to become unhealthy. Weeds can also carry pests and diseases. Pests and diseases in the garden can cause major damage such as yellow or brown patches on the lawn and molested leaves and flowers of garden plants.
Preventing Garden and Lawn Weeds
The best way to control weeds in the yard is to prevent them from growing in the first place. This involves destroying the seeds, which can be done in several ways. Weed seeds, like most other plant seeds, require sunlight to germinate. Preventing germination would mean preventing the sun from reaching the seeds. This would involve applying a mulch guard to the soil. A mulch is used in gardening as a ground cover to moisturize the soil and modify the effects of the soil on plant life. Mulching the soil can hinder light from reaching the soil, sufficiently suffocating weed seeds. Keep in mind, however, that any other plant seed existing under the mulch would also be affected.
On the contrary, heat from the sun can also be used to destroy weed seeds. After tilling and watering the soil, place a layer of clear plastic over the area, anchoring it securely with bricks or stones. After approximately 5 weeks, the heat from the soil will have sufficiently burned the weed seeds through the plastic. Any weeds found after the plastic has been lifted can be easily raked up and removed.
Another method of preventing weed growth, is to till the soil twice. The first tilling will disclose weed seeds that are buried under the earth. The seeds can be left on top of the soil to begin the germination process. After two weeks, tilling can be done again with a tiller or hoe. This second tilling will uproot the young weeds so that they can be raked up and removed from the area. Future tilling of the soil should be kept to a minimum; continuous turning of the soil will expose more seeds that will germinate once exposed to the sun. Also, plant desired vegetation into the tilled, weed-free soil as soon as possible. The longer the soil stays bare, the greater the chance that weeds will soon inhabit the area.
Other ways to prevent garden and lawn weeds include:
- Setting up a brick, metal or plastic barrier to keep weeds from creeping from fields into vegetable plots or flower beds.
- Putting weeds with no seeds only (ones that have not bloomed) into compost bins.
- Letting grass grow tall enough to suffocate weed seeds in the lawn.
- Purchasing weed barrier fabric and placing it over the ground for deterring weeds.
Controlling Garden and Lawn Weeds
Once weed seeds begin to germinate and grow, they may be more of a challenge to keep under control.
They are several weeding tools on the market that will make weeding an easier task. Some are designed to pry up weeds by the roots. Others will cut off weeds just below the surface of the soil.
Keep in mind that roots left under the soil will soon develop into full grown weeds once again. Tips for controlling weeds that have already grown include:
- Weeding after a rain or after a watering session as weeds are uprooted easier when the soil is moist.
- Sprinkling salt on weeds that spring up in paved areas or isolated spots.
- Using boiling water to eliminate weeds sprouting between cracks in sidewalks or driveways.
- Using Corn gluten to eliminate weeds growing in the lawn.
Using Herbicides to Control Garden and Lawn Weeds
Using herbicides to control garden weeds may be necessary at times, but should be done with caution.
Herbicides with high toxicity can be harmful to animals as well as humans. They can also contaminate the air, water supplies and the soil. If a herbicide must be used, look for one with low toxicity, such as an organic herbicidal soap. Apply such herbicides carefully so as not to affect surrounding vegetation. Other precautions when using a herbicide for weed control include:
- Applying carefully so as to not affect other plants or surrounding vegetation.
- Applying in moderate temperatures. Rains will wash away herbicides and winds will carry them to unwanted areas.
- Do not apply to weeds underneath trees as the toxins will be absorbed by the trees root system.
Loraine R. Degraff - Loraine Degraff is a writer and educator of over 10 years. Although much of her writing focuses on natural health, she enjoys learning and ...
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