Handling Weeds

The weeds are nature’s way of covering the bare ground. They spread easily as their seeds are specifically designed to spread everywhere. They are opportunistic and aggressive, meaning they will germinate, grow, and propagate faster than any other plant. 8,000 of the known 250,000 plant species are classified as weeds. That’s 3% of the horticulture universe. Weeds can wreak havoc on a garden if you don’t get ready of them quickly. They will consume all the water and soil nutrients, while your plants and crops starve. They can attract bugs that will eat your plants, killing them in the process. Getting rid of weeds may be tough, but not impossible. Here are some natural tips to get rid of them.

Pulling Weeds By Hand

Pulling weeds by hand is an all-day affair. A good day to do this would be right after a rainstorm/shower since the ground will be soft enough for a cleaner pull. The first thing to do before getting started is to stretch your back, shoulders, and arms for the task. Weeds can be abrasive or thorny, so protect your hands with leather-palmed gardening gloves. Loosen the soil where the stem meets the ground. Grab as much root as possible and pull straight up. You’ll want to remove as much root as possible so it doesn’t grow back. If you don’t get all of it in one pull, dig deeper until all signs of the root are gone.

Natural Weed Killers

Using natural-based weed killers lowers the impact on the environment caused by pesticides and herbicides. They won’t put your kids’ and pets’ health at risk while not polluting the food chain for important insects such as bees. Vinegar mixed with Dawn dish soap is the best natural weed killer. Vinegar contains acetic acid as the dish soap allows it to stick to surfaces, killing plant matter. Another eco-friendly weed killer is pouring boiling water directly on the problem. But be careful so you don’t burn yourself.

Using Nature To Fight

Mother Nature has its own defenses against weeds. Lay down mulch to absorb excess moisture weeds take advantage of. Creeping Mazus, Crimson Clover, and Ajuga are just some weed-suppressing flowers you can plant on the bare spots of your garden. They are a very dense-forming mass, leaving little room for weeds to grow. Cover the soil in dampened newspaper and two inches of straw to block out sunlight. Weeds tend to gather around edging, posts, and fence lines, so trim these back regularly.

Eating Them

Yes, most weeds are edible, but always identify plants properly before consuming them. Weeds are a great way to add texture and flavor to any dish. By eating them, you can lower your carbon footprint. Pluck the leaves off of a dandelion clump, chop them fine, and sprinkle them onto a salad. The leaves on a Purslane are a cross between spinach and okra. Lamb’s Quarters is the most common weed, and most palatable. Add it to a roast or chicken dish as a seasoning to take it to a whole new level.

Make Them Your Friends

Most weeds may rob your garden of valuable nutrients, reduce crop yield, and cause rashes, but some may be more helpful than harmful. Weeds are a vital part of the ecological function of your community. They can prevent erosion and fertilize depleted soil. There are some weeds that can improve your garden's health. Clover and Plantain are a favorite food for those that eat pollen. Sow Thistle and Queen Anne’s Lace has deep roots that break about hard compacted soil, allowing your other plants to grow stronger. Mugwort absorbs heavy metal in the dirt that could damage your plants.