Weeds!?! That's Right, Weeds!!
We talk about everything else in the gardening world, so we are devoting
a page to the topic of Garden Weeds. Why? Because the subject of is an important
one. Granted, this article is of more value to the new gardener. But, even
an experienced gardener picks up a new trick or two on occasion.
Of all the gardening tasks, weeding is the task we like the least. It is
also the most labor intensive and at times, a seemingly never ending task.
But when we are done, our garden looks much better and will thank you for
it with higher production, healthier plants, and a victory garden you can
be proud to show off to friends and family, or just enjoy a quite moment
by yourself.
How to Weed
When to Weed
The Value of Mulch
Weedkillers and Herbicides
Tip: Make weeding simple, use a weed barrier. Make gardening easier
still... lay down a drip irrigation hose underneath the weed barrier.
Weed Barrier
How to Weed:
There are a lot of ways to weed your garden. The best way remains getting
down on your hands and knees, and pulling them by hand, or with the assistance
of a small hand tool. Getting close to your plants allows you to pull and
remove weeds with minimal disruption to your plants. While you are there,
it provides a closer look at your plants. If your plant has pest or disease
problems, this closer view allows early detection, and attention to the problems.
One final advantage is the joy and pleasure of getting soil under your
fingernails. This is a feeling only a gardener (or a kid) can fully appreciate
or explain.
Pull even the tiniest weeds. It's better to get 'em while they are small.
Those tiny little ones, are the monsters of the patch a week or two from
now. The weeds that are in between your plants and close to them, are robbing
your plant of moisture and nutrients. More often than not, the weed wins
the battle. While some weeds can be eliminated by snipping them at the base,
most will require pulling out all of the root system. When working close
to the plant, be careful not to disturb the plants root system. Some weeds
can be pulled out easily, while others break off when you give them a tug.
This is a defensive device of the plant, allowing it to survive and grow
new stems and leaves. Make sure to get it all.
Use gardening tools to eliminate weeds along the rows and away from the plants.
Be cautious to avoid getting too close to the roots of your plants. Tools
that scrap the soil just below the surface are good for the middle of the
rows.
Tip: Dry, sunbaked soil is often hard, making a difficult job even
more difficult. Water your garden a few hours before you weed. The soil will
be looser, making the job easier.
When to Weed:
Experienced gardeners know the answer to this is every day, and all the time.
There is always a new weed popping up, and ruining the perfect look of your
victory garden. If you are not a perfectionist, that's okay. Most of us have
more than a few weeds, as we don't have enough time for this dreaded task.
Weeding should be done early and often. Don't let the task get ahead of you.
Those little weeds that "can wait until next week", are monsters next week.
Weeding is better done early in the day. It is cooler for you ,and a little
easier on your plants, as the roots are often disturbed. Any weeds left on
top of the soil will more easily dry out and die in the hotter midday sun.
Don't Toss 'em..... Compost 'em - Most weeds make great compost.
That way , you are returning natural nutrients to your soil. Throw them into
your composter or compost heap. Avoid weeds with lots of seeds on them, and
any diseased weeds.
The Value of Mulch:
Mulch is priceless, when it comes to keeping weeds down and saving you time.
Weeds that succeed in poking through a thick layer of mulch is a barrier
to the emergence of weeds. The ones that do get through, are easier to pull
out. Mulch also provides a "well kept" look.
Whether you use organic mulch or plastic, it is avery effective barier. Organic
mulch needs to be put down thickly to keep the weeds down. It needs to be
re-applied regularly.
Plastic mulch keeps all weeds out, and for a long time. But it is not
environmentally friendly, and returns no nutrients into your soil.
Did you know? You can use paper as a mulch? Spread it around in a
few layers. You also can use leaf recycling bags. If you pick up leaf bags
in the fall from other yards, keep the bags in your shed until spring. Add
a light layer of mulch on top of the bags to cover them. If you don't have
mulch, use soil or other materials to keep the paper from blowing around.
Read more on mulches.
Weedkillers and Herbicides:
Weed killers and herbicides are in common use on lawns, in flower gardens
and in vegetable gardens. For some applications they are the fastest and
most efficient, if not least expensive method of eliminating weeds.
Weedkillers and herbicides are not without their disadvantages. They are
harmful chemicals. While they may be approved by the U.S. government for
use, these chemical are not without some risk. They can be harmful to your
plants, the environment, and you. This is especially true, if used incorrectly.
We neither recommend use nor abstinence from weedkillers and herbicides.
We encourage common sense and caution. If you are inclined to use them, make
sure to follow the precautions on the label and apply it correctly.
Most home gardeners do not use weed killers and herbicide on their vegetable
gardens. Following the principle "you are what you eat", why risk harm when
a little extra effort you get the same effect. Overwhelmingly, home gardeners
state one reason they grow fruits and vegetables is to control the quality
of the food they eat.
Buy Guarden Raised Garden Bed Frames Attractive,
long lasting and affordable. Guarden raised bed frames are the strongest
in the industry.
Buy Flower, Vegetable and Herb Seeds Finest quality
Ferry Morse Seed, America's oldest seed company with their famous "guarantee
to grow".
|
