There is a lot of concern about herbicides and what they are doing to our environment. Large amounts of chemicals leech into our groundwater polluting our water supply. Cancers and strange diseases with no apparent cause are being linked to chemicals and pollutants in our environment. So how do we control all those pesky weeds in our perfectly manicured landscapes? I will outline several different ways to eradicate weeds without polluting our environment.
The first and probably the simplest of all, is to roll up your sleeves, get down on your knees, and pull the weeds out! I know this seems counterintuitive in an age when we are accustomed to instantaneous and easy ways of doing things. When all we have to do is spray some highly-toxic chemical on a plant and it seemingly evaporates in less that a day! But back in the day, people used to buy tools like a hoe, or dandelion pullers to actually exert physical work to remove weeds. I prefer this method as it actually feels good to get back to our natural instincts and commune with our surroundings. Sweating in the hot sun and doing physical labor is good for the mind, body, and spirit, and with this technique, we can actually eliminate weeds!
A tip for pulling weeds is to give the weed bed a good watering the night before. With the ground thoroughly soaked, the soil will be softened and will yield the entire weed plant, root and all.
The second method is equally effective but it is more difficult to isolate a single weed in a bed of desirable plants. Simply pour hot, boiling water over the weed. The hot water will kill the weed. The next time you make a pot of tea and you have some water left over, pour it on the weeds. How about pasta water? Or corn on the cob? Plenty of boiling water left over there! While the corn is cooking or the pasta simmering, take a quick walk outside to see what weeds need to go. That way you can quickly locate them with your hot pot of water.
And lastly, you can use a string trimmer or lawn mower and just mow them down. Sure, they will grow back up but just keep whacking them down. They are green and produce lots of oxygen for your environment, and mowed down low, who would ever suspect that you have a lawn full of weeds. My lawn is full of clover and violets. Mowed down low, it looks like a beautiful lawn. However, I am the envy of the neighborhood every Spring when my lawn is covered with white and purple flowers during the month of April.
Dean Novosat is an avid gardener and landscaper. He has transformed many boring yards into beautiful landscapes. He has several websites including http://www.the-garden-doctor.com and http://www.dr-landscape.com.
I made my very first garden when I was six... Read More
As humans, we are always on the lookout for a... Read More
Gardeners, it's time to put your gardening skills to the... Read More
It is a beautiful evening and you are relaxing on... Read More
Perennial plants and flowers stay around for more than just... Read More
Pruning...Outdoor gardening is so much easier when you know how.... Read More
Know if your plants are disease-susceptible. Your choice of plants... Read More
There are many reasons for creating an indoor garden ?... Read More
Now that Spring is upon us and things are coming... Read More
When the days start to get shorter, the darkness may... Read More
Part Two in a SeriesOnce you have your landscape design... Read More
One of the best ways to create a warm and... Read More
IntroductionSo you've decided to build your very own backyard water... Read More
Recent lawn care information reports that a lot of us... Read More
Many times when the weather becomes sultry, the only place... Read More
Viburnums are related to the honeysuckles, so it should come... Read More
PLANT GROWTH & PHYSIOLOGY. (Part 5)There are three classes of... Read More
If you enjoy making your yard as beautiful as it... Read More
Pruning and deadheading are essential to proper rose care. Alas,... Read More
Following are a few paragraphs about the on going battle... Read More
Who doesn't love to hear the water rushing and flowing... Read More
Roses may be beautiful but Tulips are magnificent. The huge... Read More
You can hear the wailing from here. "Why aren't my... Read More
Teak has many qualities that make the indoor and outdoor... Read More
Oh sure, fried green tomatoes are ok; but I'll take... Read More
The biggest flower benefit of all is the fact that... Read More
Asparagus is a perennial plant with erect, edible stems and... Read More
Flowers Truly Reach Your Soul.Flowers are a heartfelt, natural way... Read More
They can be pretty to look at and soothing to... Read More
What is nicer that a lovely backyard garden pond. The... Read More
Fruit gardening and vegetable gardening is a very exciting venture.... Read More
What is xeriscaping? You may have heard of xeriscaping as... Read More
My first apartment was a second-story condo in an urban... Read More
Flower bulbs offer some of the most distinctive, unusual flowers... Read More
Just about right now, we start to see moss on... Read More
A principle of all art is unity. This means that... Read More
There's a new garden in town. It is (mostly) easy... Read More
Principles refer to standards or prescriptions for working with or... Read More
If you're not familiar with push reel mowers or if... Read More
When you hear the term "Zen Garden" the picture conjured... Read More
Just recently my friend had his house appraised between $800,000... Read More
What is xeriscaping? You may have heard of xeriscaping as... Read More
You'll often hear garden writers recommending the use of Epsom... Read More
After much searching and deliberation, I finally bought a lawnmower... Read More
What is more beautiful than seeing a home or building... Read More
How often you mow your lawn will depend on a... Read More
Is your garden soil great? Does it produce an abundant... Read More
Planting times for vegetables and other annual plants vary from... Read More
When planning your new landscape, the first place to start... Read More
Ahh, spring! It has sprung! Gardeners (and budding gardeners -... Read More
The wonderful thing about choosing teak outdoor furniture is that... Read More
Summer is here and it's time to plant and enjoy... Read More
Pruning and deadheading are essential to proper rose care. Alas,... Read More
There is nothing better to do on a hot, lazy... Read More
This is a project I've had on the back burner... Read More
Purple Martins are the largest member of the swallow family.... Read More
A Garden Pond in your Landscape - Want Water in... Read More
I recently bought a small tractor for my garden, which... Read More
The easiest way to build a shed in the backyard... Read More
Many individuals are fascinated by hummingbirds. So much so, that... Read More
Whenever you decide to look for a butterfly house for... Read More
Summer is just around the corner, and your lawn could... Read More
It is wisest to let Nature have Her way. Nature... Read More
The silk flower is growing in popularity among young couples... Read More
Poison ivy is found throughout southern Canada and most of... Read More
The first thing you need to do when deciding to... Read More
Landscaping & Gardening |