Got Weeds? All Natural Solutions to the Rescue!

Posted by Joyce Benson   6 Comments

Share this on:

We all have them… in the garden and flower beds, the lawn, patio, driveway/walkways…

but what can you do to keep weeds under control without using toxic chemicals that are harmful to your kids, pets and the environment?

Here are some easy earth-friendly tips that’ll also save you money!

BEFORE WEEDS EMERGE:

• CORN GLUTEN MEAL:  This is available commercially and is effective in preventing many weeds, such as crabgrass, curly dock, dandelions, lambsquarters, pigweed, black nightshade, creeping bentgrass, and purslane.  Since it doesn’t harm mature plants and it contains nitrogen which acts as a fertilizer, it’s great for lawns and gardens.  CGM should be labeled as a “pre-emergent herbicide” and must be applied BEFORE weed seeds start to germinate.
• MULCH:  a 2-3″ layer of mulch (grass clippings, leaves, pine needles, straw (not hay!), chipped branches, or compost) not only keeps the weeds down, but reduces evaporation of water from the soil.
• CARDBOARD or NEWSPAPERS:  Placing a layer of newspaper (4+ sheets thick) or cardboard around your plants will discourage weeds from growing.  Just cover with mulch.  It’s a perfect solution for pathways.  Check out my earlier post about greener paths here.

KILL EXISTING WEEDS:

• VINEGAR:  The acetic acid in household white vinegar kills vegetation and the vinegar smell dissipates quickly.  For each gallon of vinegar, add 1 oz natural dishwashing soap to help the solution stick to the leaves of weeds, especially those with a waxy coating or fuzzy surface.  Just fill a spray bottle with the solution and spray directly onto weeds.  It works best if the weeds are in full sun for a few hours after application.  Also, young weeds, including their roots, are typically easier to kill than long-established weeds.  Use care not to over spray onto desirable plants adjacent to weeds because it will kill those too.
• HOT WATER:  Just boil water in a tea kettle and pour directly onto weeds.  Use care not to spill over onto desirable plants adjacent to weeds.
• FREQUENT MOWING:  Mowing your lawn regularly, and to the recommended height for the type of grass you have, keeps your lawn healthy and deters weeds.  If you have a relatively small lawn, reel mowers are the most eco-friendly option.
• HAND PULLING:  Young weeds are a lot easier to pull than mature ones.  Also, weeds are easier to pull after a good soaking rain.  Start early in the morning to avoid exerting yourself during the hottest part of the day.

Source for corn gluten meal info:  Iowa State University

photo courtesy of Little Garden

Tag(s): Greening the Home, Hazardous Products / Health Issues, The Great Green Outdoors

Comments