Lawn Weed Control

This is an endless job, weeding! You no more than get control and here they are again! Those pesky weeds that have only one good reason for existing and that is to torment you! When the thoughts enter your mind "I give up", those green leafy monsters will conquer you. So let's think about this awhile. Do you really want them to win? Take a deep breath, cool off and let's think about what we might do!

Herbicides:
The right chemical can be very useful and save time and work however the wrong herbicide can damage your garden. Spray on days when there is no wind. You must take the time to do the spraying correctly. Be conscientious about measuring and following specific directions.

- Apply with a sprayer or watering can. Determine the square footage to cover. Make two sweeps walking in different directions each time. Be very cautious!

- Read the label

- Use for only listed crops

- Observe all precautions

- Avoid prolonged contact with the skin. Wash thoroughly after use.

- Keep away from children pets, and food.

Cultivation:
This is one way to help rid the garden of un-wanted plants. Mature weeds take away a large amount of moisture and nutrients from the soil. Get rid of them when they are young! If you have a small garden hand pulling is good as you can usually remove roots and all. This is not reasonable if your garden is larger in that case a hoe is mandatory. A large garden calls for a rotary tiller, which makes the job much easier. Manual rotary cultivators work well on long rows especially if the weeds are small. Nonetheless these tools are not able to take care of weeds close to vegetable plants without causing damage. Use hand methods or hoeing in this instance.

Cultivate when the soil is somewhat moist but should not be wet. Work in cooler temperatures, perhaps earlier in the morning or later in the evening to be more comfortable.

Mulch:
Straw, old hay, grass clippings, and black plastic mulch laid in April before beginning your actual planting can help control weeds and will hold moisture in the soil. Organic mulch placed in thick layers around June will help a great deal and those weeds that poke through are easily removed. Black plastic may be a good idea where weeds and runners are prevalent. If you have a pathway through your garden lay old newspapers or old carpet pieces or any such material that will suppress weed growth. Cover with sawdust to blend with your garden soil. Keep the sawdust away from your plants.

Place the plants close together:
By planting close together the shading of the soil will retard weed growth. A raised bed or planting a wide row so that the foliage of plants across from each other will connect to provide a canopy, is a good way to discourage weed's growth.

Our old friend the weed will always be with us, and will continually cause us problems. Just consider the act of gardening as very worth while indeed! Good Gardening!


Source from:
PageWise, Inc.