Non-Toxic Weed Control
Spring will be upon us before we know it so now is the time to prepare ourselves to beat down weeds without using stuff that is harmful to us. Although there aren’t a whole lot of natural weed control options, we do have a few good ones here for you to try.
Idea #1 Use vinegar. That’s right, plain white distilled vinegar to kill obnoxious weeds that grow in the cracks of your sidewalks and driveway and in between your beautiful brick patio. It works faster than round-up in most cases and costs a whole lot less. Simply drench those little weeds in a vinegar bath and bid them Asta la vista baby!
Idea #2 Plant. Plant. And plant some more. The more plants you plant, the less weeds will grow. Find out if you have a native plant society in your area. Often they have plant sales where you can get inexpensive, drought tolerant plants that are picked for your area.
Idea #3 Pick on the little ones. The faster you get outside to beat down weeds, the easier your job will be. If you can get them while they are still babies, a hula hoe is a wonderful and easy option. You can get around plants and vegetables easily and you don’t even have to get your hands dirty. Your neighbors will probably enjoy seeing you do the hula anyhow.
Idea #4 If you aren’t into planting a lot of plants you can use mulch instead. Just remember though that when you use organic material like wood chips, they eventually break down and you will need to add more. They also give weeds a good place to grow unless you prepare the ground with weed block before spreading the mulch.
In the fall and winter we use leaves that fall from our trees to place around our border plants. This helps insulate the roots from frost but it also keeps as many weeds from sprouting in the spring. Remove them in the spring and get out the hula hoe and knock any weeds down. You can also choose to keeps the leaves as mulch and just wait for them to break down into the soil. This is some of the richest compost you can get and it’s free.
Idea #5 Persistence. Like anything else, persistence pays; even when it comes to getting rid of weeds. Make it a habit to get out once a week and pull a few weeds. Nothing is really as effective as plain pullin’ those little boogers right out of the ground.
