Weeds aggressively grows in lawns, gardens and natural areas. These unwanted plants block sunlight and get the important nutrients needed by growing plants. Determining the two weed life cycles such as annual or perennial is important in exhibiting control methods.
One of the best methods is the Organic Weed Control. This method is cheaper and simpler to manage. Mulching and the use of gardening tools are good practices for getting rid of weeds.
Mulch
Garden mulch is a protective layer on top of the soil that suppresses weeds. It is used for protection from threading, compaction and erosion. This method can act as an aid to plant culture. It conditions and retains warmth in the soil. The best time to mulch is during autumn and spring.
Mulch can be categorized in three methods:
1. Sheet Mulch – This is the best method of suppressing perennial weeds. It is easy to cut into shape, relocate, plant and store. Sheet mulch can avoid damages onto vegetables and roots of fruits. It can also improve the use of its top covering of bark or chippings.
Types of Mulch can be identified as:
o Geotextile – This is a woven or non woven permeable sheet and needle punch made from polypropylene and polyester. This can be used as a barrier between the soil and loose mulch in order to diminish perennial weeds.
o Black (White) Plastic Sheet – These are black plastic sheets (400-600 gauge of silage sheeting) that warms the soil. It keeps its moist.
o Fibre Sheets – This is a bio-degradable bonded wood developed for garden applications such as tree and flower seeded mats.
o Newspapers – These are whole 8 sheet thick papers that go together with weed-tops, including straws that hold and compost in order to suppress weeds on vegetable plots. This becomes a paper mash that can be forked and added as organic matter for the soil.
o Cardboard – A brown cardboard is more effective when it breaks down and encourages earthworms. This material allows air flow and even penetrates water.
2. Ornamental mulch – This enhances the landscape along pathways and the entire yard. It blends with house colors and decors. Using permeable barrier membranes, wood chip and gravel, this will prevent the sinkage of the soil.
3. Organic Mulch – This is widely used mulch meant for fruit bushes and flowers. It conditions and feeds the soil. It also protects it against drought in the summer and even improves drainage. Some of its properties are as follows:
o Easy to apply with a reasonable price.
o Freely drains and permits good aeration.
o Not too low Nitrogen content.
o Water will not become saturated.
Organic mulch can act as a leaf mold It can be used as a base for composting seeds. By gathering fall leaves inside a bag and leaving it to rot will eventually help add nutrients to the soil. Pine needles and lawn cuttings can retain soil moisture. For “no dig gardening”, farmyard manure is best applied in roses, pumpkins and cucumber among others, especially during the spring or late winter seasons. Other types used include straw, hay, weeds, green tops, and garden composts.
The use of the right gardening tools will satisfy the implementation of organic weed control methods. This will help gardeners maintain and remove weeds with no hassle. Fork tools can also remove underground stems of perennial weeds, without slicing the roots of plants or even damaging crops. While garden claws act as a cultivator of small gardens in order to loosen weeds, the claw can easily use top dressings or fertilizers for repetitive action. For tap roots and disturbed weeds, you can use a Dutch hoe, spade and shovel.
For successful usage of the organic control method, one must aim for a 100% soil coverage and clear off open ground. Regular inspection or an immediate spotting of weeds while young is necessary. Regular mowing is also sufficient. Nothing is safer than using organic method for removing weeds.
