The definition of a weed is simply a plant that is growing where it is not wanted; one that competes for nutrients, space, water and sunlight with other plants in your garden. Our gardens have hundreds of these unwanted plants. They are basically categorized as "broadleaf", "creeping", "rosette", "grassy" weeds and so on. The ones most commonly seen are dandelions, clover, chickweed, plantains and in some areas, wild violets.
Weeds can cause a great deal of trouble in your garden by altering its color and texture. It is vital then that weeds are dealt with as soon as they appear. Here are a few ideas to help you rid your garden of weeds.
Controlling weeds using herbicides A "herbicide" is simply a chemical that acts as a plant killer. Whilst they are very effective, some can be problematic, which is why many landscapers choose alternatives.
Some of the problems with using herbicides are:
* They can kill the plants that you want to keep if they are not used carefully and according to the instructions. * If herbicides are used for too long a period of time, the build up in the soil and water and lead to pollution. * To use the herbicides effectively, the user must have a knowledge of weeds and their corresponding seasons. * They can cause harm to or even kill aquatic wildlife. If you keep these problems in mind, though, they are effective in removing weeds permanently. There are a variety of herbicides available, each one being effective for a certain "family" of weeds. Be sure that you choose the correct herbicides for your particular weed problem and if you are in doubt, check with someone who has the knowledge. It is also vitally important that you read and follow the instructions on the label carefully, both before purchase and when using the herbicide.
Controlling weeds using drip irrigation A drip irrigation system can be helpful in controlling weeds to a degree as the water is directed at the base of each plant, leaving the surrounding soil relatively dry and not attractive to weeds. The drip irrigation system is preferable to the sprinkler system for this reason.
Controlling weeds with soil solarization Whilst this process sounds extremely scientific and complex, it is actually quite easy to do. It involves the use of the sun's rays to kill the weeds and their seeds. The gardener, when preparing a garden bed for replanting, tills the soil then lays a sheet of UV stable plastic over the entire surface. This is left for around four to eight weeks, in which time the weeds and their seeds have been "cooked" to death. New planting can then be done without the risk of weed growth.
The effectiveness of soil solarization is dependent upon how long the soil is left covered, the nature of the soil and the weeds it contains.
Controlling weeds using inorganic mulch Mulch has two purposes in a garden: it conserves water through the reduction of evaporation and it is an effective weed suppressant. There are two kinds of mulch - organic and inorganic. The organic mulches are made from anything that was once living and they decompose over time. Examples of organic mulches are sawdust, bark, woodchips, clippings and prunings and straw. Inorganic mulches are either man-made or non living natural elements and these do not decompose. Examples include rocks, pebbles and gravel, shredded tires and chips of marble.
Inorganic mulches are better at weed suppression than organic. They do not wash away with water and do not break down, leaving gaps for opportunistic weeds or cracks in boulders. It is a good idea, though, to place a layer of landscaping fabric under the inorganic mulch to prevent it "sinking" into the soil surface, where its weed suppression abilities become diminished.
Controlling weeds using landscaping fabric
These can be very effective in weed control particularly when they are used with rocks or pebbles. They are more effective than black plastic as they allow water to pass through and allow a natural exhange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Landscaping fabrics that are chemically treated can be used without mulch. These are treated with herbicides such as trifluralin which is an effective weed controller.
Weeds can cause a great deal of trouble in your garden by altering its color and texture. It is vital then that weeds are dealt with as soon as they appear. Here are a few ideas to help you rid your garden of weeds.
Controlling weeds using herbicides A "herbicide" is simply a chemical that acts as a plant killer. Whilst they are very effective, some can be problematic, which is why many landscapers choose alternatives.
Some of the problems with using herbicides are:
* They can kill the plants that you want to keep if they are not used carefully and according to the instructions. * If herbicides are used for too long a period of time, the build up in the soil and water and lead to pollution. * To use the herbicides effectively, the user must have a knowledge of weeds and their corresponding seasons. * They can cause harm to or even kill aquatic wildlife. If you keep these problems in mind, though, they are effective in removing weeds permanently. There are a variety of herbicides available, each one being effective for a certain "family" of weeds. Be sure that you choose the correct herbicides for your particular weed problem and if you are in doubt, check with someone who has the knowledge. It is also vitally important that you read and follow the instructions on the label carefully, both before purchase and when using the herbicide.
Controlling weeds using drip irrigation A drip irrigation system can be helpful in controlling weeds to a degree as the water is directed at the base of each plant, leaving the surrounding soil relatively dry and not attractive to weeds. The drip irrigation system is preferable to the sprinkler system for this reason.
Controlling weeds with soil solarization Whilst this process sounds extremely scientific and complex, it is actually quite easy to do. It involves the use of the sun's rays to kill the weeds and their seeds. The gardener, when preparing a garden bed for replanting, tills the soil then lays a sheet of UV stable plastic over the entire surface. This is left for around four to eight weeks, in which time the weeds and their seeds have been "cooked" to death. New planting can then be done without the risk of weed growth.
The effectiveness of soil solarization is dependent upon how long the soil is left covered, the nature of the soil and the weeds it contains.
Controlling weeds using inorganic mulch Mulch has two purposes in a garden: it conserves water through the reduction of evaporation and it is an effective weed suppressant. There are two kinds of mulch - organic and inorganic. The organic mulches are made from anything that was once living and they decompose over time. Examples of organic mulches are sawdust, bark, woodchips, clippings and prunings and straw. Inorganic mulches are either man-made or non living natural elements and these do not decompose. Examples include rocks, pebbles and gravel, shredded tires and chips of marble.
Inorganic mulches are better at weed suppression than organic. They do not wash away with water and do not break down, leaving gaps for opportunistic weeds or cracks in boulders. It is a good idea, though, to place a layer of landscaping fabric under the inorganic mulch to prevent it "sinking" into the soil surface, where its weed suppression abilities become diminished.
Controlling weeds using landscaping fabric
These can be very effective in weed control particularly when they are used with rocks or pebbles. They are more effective than black plastic as they allow water to pass through and allow a natural exhange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Landscaping fabrics that are chemically treated can be used without mulch. These are treated with herbicides such as trifluralin which is an effective weed controller.
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