Aside from improving your curb appeal, removing weeds is an important part of caring for your garden. There are many weed killers on the market that use harmful chemicals, which can affect your health and the environment, so it’s important to choose a natural option. This guide explores the most effective ways to control weeds organically.
How to Control Weeds Without Chemicals
Learning how to get rid of weeds without chemicals will help you care for your organic lawn while keeping it healthy and flourishing. These are some proactive ways you can control your weed problem without using harmful chemicals:
Pull them by hand: Removing weeds by pulling them out yourself is the simplest way to keep your garden weed-free. You must be vigilant and diligent to keep weeds from growing too quickly and remove them from their roots to prevent them from growing again. Sharp gardening tools can help loosen the roots, making them easy to pull out. Wear a pair of gardening gloves to avoid spreading weed seeds to other parts of your garden.
Mulch layers: Add a few inches of organic mulch to your garden bed. This extra layer will stop weed seeds from making contact with your soil. Mulch also blocks sunlight from reaching weed seeds that are already in the ground, meaning they won’t be able to sprout.
Smother with recycled cardboard: Use newspapers and cardboard to smother new weeds and stop them from growing. All you need to do is remove visible weeds in the area, wet the soil and then lay the recycled paper or cardboard down. Wet the paper thoroughly before covering it with mulch. Putting an opaque layer down for four to five weeks stops sunlight from reaching the weed seeds, preventing growth and germination.
Corn gluten: Sprinkling corn gluten in exposed areas of your garden and flower beds can stop weed seeds from germinating. However, it may also keep other seeds from growing, so pay close attention to where you place it and only cover weeds.
Weed torch: A weed torch is an effective and natural way of removing weeds. The flames from the torch heat the water inside the plant cells. When the water becomes steam, the cells explode and kill the plant. Make sure to only wilt them rather than burn or char them. Be careful with the flame, as it can start fires, melt landscaping features and kill other plants.
Plant ground cover: Weeds will attack open, bare soil. Eliminate areas that weeds might target by growing ground cover and low-growing plants that spread across your garden beds. Even if weed seeds make it through, the ground cover will stop sunlight from reaching them. This can also be a visually appealing method with the right types of ground cover plants.
Types of Organic Herbicides
Using the right pesticides is essential to control weeds organically. First, you must know the difference between pre- and post-emergent organic herbicides.
Pre-Emergent Organic Herbicides
Pre-emergent herbicides are used to stop weed seeds from germinating before they start to grow in your garden. The main function of pre-emergent herbicides is to prevent root growth, ensure weeds aren’t receiving vital nutrients and disrupt seed cell division.
Placement is a critical factor when applying your pre-emergent herbicides to your lawn. Make sure you apply the herbicide evenly across your lawn, as weeds can grow in any area you miss. You also want to make sure you are using the right amount. Too much will harm your grass, and too little will be ineffective. Be sure to use it by itself — don’t combine it with other lawn care types. Water it properly after application.
Post-Emergent Organic Herbicides
This pesticide works in a number of different ways. It can kill weeds by being absorbed by them, coat weed leaves to prevent photosynthesis, target specific types of weeds or destroy everything in the applied area. This depends on which type of herbicide you use. There are several types of post-emergent organic herbicides, each being useful natural weed care solutions.
Post-emergent organic herbicides should be applied whenever you see weeds. You can use this type for spot or blanket treatment of affected areas.
Household Weed Solutions
If you’re not interested in using an herbicide, here’s how to control weeds naturally using everyday items you can find in your household:
Boiling water: Scalding hot water is an effective and 100% organic method of weed control. Carefully pour the boiling water onto the weeds. Be sure to use oven mitts when holding your pot or kettle. Stay at a safe distance while pouring the water, and wear long clothing and closed-toe shoes to prevent any splashing water from touching your skin.
Rubbing alcohol: Alcohol is an organic weed killer. Spraying rubbing alcohol kills weeds by drying them out. Be sure to avoid spraying other plants, as it will harm them, too.
Vinegar: Vinegar will kill weeds when applied to them directly or in places they tend to grow. You can use a spray bottle or brush for precision, as vinegar might also damage your plants. It’s better to spray vinegar in the morning and in calm conditions to avoid the wind spreading the vinegar around your garden bed.
Sprinkle salt: Table salt is an effective weed killer. Just add a pinch of salt at the base of the weeds you want to be killed and wait for rain. Salt will make the soil sterile for a couple of months, wherever you apply it. You must be accurate and ensure it does not harm grass or surrounding plants.
Learn About Weed Services From OrganicLawns
OrganicLawns does more than tend to your lawn. Our family-owned business is passionate about providing high-quality, personalized organic lawn care services to lawns in Maryland. We provide soil testing, weed prevention, seeding and aeration services to make it easy for you to keep your garden natural and healthy.
Our team is dedicated to delivering excellent customer service and taking care of your lawn properly using the best organic methods available. If you would like to find out more about what we can offer you, feel free to request a free lawn estimate today.
