If you're a homeowner, you are likely acutely aware of the tendency for weeds to take over your yard quickly and effortlessly, creating a hostile environment for nearby plants. These pesky weeds become especially noticeable as the weather warms up and creates an environment for them to thrive. The more they thrive, the fewer nutrients your plants get, and that's the last thing we want to see! Not only are they unattractive, but they also suffocate your plants and make them more susceptible to pests and diseases. If you're at a loss for how to treat your weeds, we've put together some tips for you.
1. Beware of Seeds
Did you know that your garden is covered in seeds that eventually turn into weeds? Despite there being so many seeds, only the ones at the very top of the soil receive the nutrients and light they need to thrive. Avoid shifting and digging through the dirt when removing weeds to reduce the chances of the seeds getting to the top of the soil.
2. Mulch
Have you ever wondered what mulch is good for exactly? Many people add mulch to their garden, and it's not just because it looks good! Mulch keeps the soil moist and cool for plants, while significantly reducing the amount of sunlight that gets to the weeds. If the weeds don't have sunlight, they won't be able to survive.
3. Pull Weeds Strategically
Many people wonder how to pull weeds most effectively. While you can always snag weeds out of the ground, it's much easier to effectively pull weeds after it rains. This loosens up the soil and makes it more likely that you will be able to pull the entire weed out of the ground (roots and all).
4. Put Plants Close Together
Once again, you want to eliminate the light source for weeds. One way you can do this is by planting everything close together, so the plants are still getting sunlight but the seeds of weeds in the soil are not.
5. Don't Wait
The longer you wait to pull those weeds, the deeper their roots get. We recommend pulling them as they pop up. Of course, you can't always keep up with a task like that but picking a few when you walk by can be a great way to make it less daunting when you have the time to get out for an "official" weed pulling session.
6. Weed Eater vs. Pulling
Weed eaters are certainly efficient when it comes to removing weeds from sight. However, they aren't quite as effective long-term. Weed eaters remove the top of the weed and not the root, leaving it to grow back. Pulling weeds gives you a better chance at getting to the "root" of the issue.
7. Self-Spray Cautiously
If you try to treat weeds in the garden yourself, it's important that the spray only goes on the weed and not on nearby plants. Be especially cautious if it's windy outside. If you get spray on your plants, immediately rinse with water to avoid causing extensive damage to the plant.
Lastly – and most importantly – enjoy your garden and landscaping!