Gardening expert on how to keep your garden free of weeds
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Weeds have a habit of invading lawns and choking out gardens, especially if they’re left to grow wildly out of control. Pulling weeds out individually can be a laborious task that most gardeners hate doing. When tackling weeds, some homeowners revert to using harmful chemicals to get rid of those pesky plants.
However, there are other all-natural ways to repel weeds that are better for the environment.
The gardening experts at Safer® Brand, a leading supplier of organic products for garden pests, diseases and more, have shared three ways weeds can be “repressed” naturally.
Mulch
The experts said: “Smother your weeds with mulch. Don’t throw away the morning newspaper yet.
“Paper, leaves, straw, or even a black tarp are great materials to use to suffocate your weeds.
“Just make sure you put enough mulch on the weeds to block out any light.”
There are two types of mulch, biodegradable and non-biodegradable, and both can suppress weeds.
The reason mulch is so effective in suppressing weeds is because is blocks sunlight which weeds need to germinate and grow.
Mulch can also help to conserve moisture in the ground by reducing evaporation from the soil surface.
DON’T MISS
‘Ideal’ thermostat temperature for a constant warm home [INSIGHT]
Best method to clean toilets without bleach – ‘it’s amazing’ [UPDATE]
‘Effective’ method to remove ivy ‘forever’ using ‘ideal weed killer’ [ANALYSIS]
Some of the best mulch for preventing weeds is compost, leaves, sawdust, wood chips, straw and grass clippings.
For mulch to be most effective, it needs to be applied at a depth of between 5cm and 7.5cm.
For areas where mulch hasn’t been applied much, a thicker layer may be needed.
Lawn weeds
The gardening experts said: “Crowd out any unwanted weeds by keeping your soil’s pH level balanced and not mowing your grass too low.
Looking for a new home, or just fancy a look? Add your postcode below or visit InYourArea
“Growing a densely planted garden or lawn can repress any weeds that might not belong.”
Mowing lawns in the correct conditions at the right height will encourage strong grass growth.
Strong grass will be able to fight weeds better. If lawns already have thistle or ragwort on them, regular mowing should be able to get rid of them.
However, mowing weeds that have already started setting seeds could spread them.
Corn gluten
The experts said using corn gluten could stop weeds “from ever popping up”.
They said: “This corn byproduct prevents germination of seeds, doesn’t have an effect on already established plants.
“Corn gluten also provides a healthy dose of nitrogen, which is a nutrient plants need to grow.”
Corn gluten is particularly effective for controlling weeds on lawns.
Source: Read Full Article