By this point in the summer, I often find myself staring contemptuously at the weeds in my flower garden, wishing they’d take a hint and pack their bags. Unfortunately, they never do – and I have to find other ways to keep them out of the garden. Here are some clever ways you can succeed at controlling weeds.
- You might only see a bunch of weeds in your garden, but there’s plenty of weed seeds underground, lying in wait to be uncovered. Mulching helps conserve soil moisture, and it also keeps the sunlight from reaching germinating weeds. Take care to replenish the mulch regularly so it remains about 2 inches deep and continues to play its part effectively. Weed barrier mats that let in air and moisture while cutting out the light offer a fast and simple means of curbing weed growth.
- Regular inspection will help you stay on top of weeds. Remove weeds as they emerge. This will be easiest just after a good rain. When it’s dry, try to cut the weeds just under the surface of the soil. Make sure you safely dispose the removed weeds.
- Non toxic pre-emergent weed controls are an excellent way of preventing weed growth while still maintaining a safe environment for your family and pets. Using a natural-action weed controls like IRON X!™ will help rid your lawn or garden of weeds and render it healthier, more beautiful at the same time.
- Next summer, think ahead: Plan your plantings so there’s no space left in between adjacent plants for weeds to take up. Opt for garden designs that involve drifts of close plantings or mass plantings instead of widely spaced polka dot designs. Take care, however, there’s enough gap between the plants that they don’t touch each other when fully grown for it can lead to poor air circulation, stunted growth and foliar diseases.