Tip o’ the Day: Weed out the Weeds
Herbicides are great for killing weeds, but they also contaminate soils and groundwater, and are toxic to pets and children (not to mention the rest of us). Check out some alternative options for controlling your weeds before going to chemical route.
The best way to get rid of weeds is a little manual labor: Pull 'em. When pulling by hand remove when soil is damp (it's easier than taking them out of dry soil) and try to get ALL of the roots. After pulling weeds toss them in your compost bin. Don't put off weeding. Get to weeds when they're little, before the root systems have a chance to take over your garden.
Use fabric groundcovers or newspaper covered with mulch. It'll prevent weeds from sprouting up and protect soil from erosion.
For weeds growing up between sidewalk cracks or gravel driveways mix up a solution of 1 cup salt, one teaspoon liquid detergent, and one gallon of vinegar. Sprinkle or spray directly on the weeds. Don't use this in the garden as it will likely get rid of plants you do want around. And keep in mind that vinegar may not get to the root of the problem.
The best way to control weeds in your yard or garden area is to really assess and plan accordingly. The Washington Toxics Coalition has some great information on identifying whether or not your weeds are annuals, biennials or perennials, and how to tackle each different kind. They also have tips on how to assess your weed problem and offers non-toxic, preventive solutions for keeping weeds away in the long term.
If you do decide to use chemical herbicides don't use them as a preventative measure, and don't use in your food garden. Be sure to apply directly on the weed area and don't use broadly - more is not better. And those inert ingredients can be just as toxic as the active ingredients.
More info on weeds:
Washington State Toxics Coalition: Weed Management for the Lawn and Garden (PDF)
More weed advice from GO:
No More Chemicals! Eco-Friendly Weed Control For Your Lawn
Organic Lawn and Garden Care
No to Herbicides, Yes to Weed-Free Garden Design
Tags: Daily Tips, Gardening, herbicide, Home and Garden, weeds
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June 14th, 2007 at 5:38 am
Dear Oh me,
It’s gonna take a while for us to get this all back together however lets start by recognising that living plants growing well where some one would prefer if these plants did not grow at all, does not necessarily relegate these living pieces of natural life to be classified as weeds as George W Bush would have the world believe that anyone alive where he does not want them living should be “weeded” out as potential terrorists.
Plants are brilliant and will do their very best to make a go of their life where ever they find an opportunity.
So yes we do need to look at this universe in a much more compassionate and understanding manner if we are ever going to hope to survive, sustain and grow as human beings. Plants are plants.
Otherwise lets eat, live, breath and laugh too, well done.
Blessings to all. ph duck
June 14th, 2007 at 2:13 pm
Along those lines, Rod, (less the strange GWB reference) I was reminded of an article I read in Mother Earth News a year or so ago; so I looked it up.
Turns out it was 11 years ago (my, how time flies)…
Practical Weed Control - M.E.N. 6/96 Mort Mather
In this he mentions his ‘Ten Day Rule’ which is a very practical method for keeping weeds in check.
June 17th, 2007 at 6:46 pm
For weeds growing up between sidewalk cracks or gravel driveways mix up a solution of 1 cup salt, one teaspoon liquid detergent, and one gallon of vinegar. Sprinkle or spray directly on the weeds. Don't use this in the garden as it will likely get rid of plants you do want around. And keep in mind that vinegar may not get to the root of the problem.
I've used this recipe for several years for weeds that grow between the bricks of our back yard patio, and it works really well…
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Jeff McIntire-Strasburg
Senior Editor
Green Options
jeff@greenoptions.com