Winning The War On Weeds
The definition of a weed is simply a plant growing in the wrong place, basically a nuisance. This could be a small plant or a large tree, but usually they are Invasive plants that take over If not kept under control.
Weeds can quickly smother paths, patio’s flowerbeds and lawns, and they cal also be the breeding ground for pests and diseases. Therefore weeding is essential. But to succeed in ridding the garden of these problem plants you need to know which weed you are tackling. |
There are two categories of weed: annual and perennial. Both compete with cultivated plants (and lawns) for water, light and nutrients, and more often than not weeds will win. Weeding itself doesn’t have to be a bugbear. There are so many different ways to tackle the problem, whether you’re an organic gardener or not. It is just a case of how and when.
Using a strong weed killer such as Roundup will usually see off persistent or perennial weeds, but using poisons like this should be your last resort.
Using a strong weed killer such as Roundup will usually see off persistent or perennial weeds, but using poisons like this should be your last resort.
Pretty Weeds
Some weeds, including daises, can be considered pretty and worth keeping in a lawn, but make sure you assess then often, otherwise they will take over and ruin the grass.
Stale Seedbed
Or you could make a ‘stale seedbed’, which works best in the kitchen garden. Simply place a cloche or clear plastic sheet over the plot. This will warm up the soil, allowing a quick germination of weed seeds. The weed seedlings can then be pulled up and disposed of, ready for you to get planting. But when planting you should disturb the soil as little as possible, otherwise you will be bringing weed seeds close to the surface again where they will be ready to germinate.
Cultural Weed Control
Cultural weed control is eco-friendly (or organic). You essentially control the weeds through cultivation rather than relying on manual removal or chemicals. The best way to succeed using cultural weed control is by planting a plant that you want in the garden but which is more aggressive. It will grow and cover the area, so preventing weeds from getting hold.
Hoeing annual weeds should be done regularly. It is most efficient when tackling seedling weeds and when the soil is dry. Sharpen the hoe blade at least once a year to keep it working efficiently. Take care not to damage cultivated plants when hoeing near them.
|
Perennial weeds usually have a larger root system, and this can sometimes consisting of deeply growing tap roots. You will need to dig these weeds out, by loosening the soil around them and removing them whole. Avoid leaving any of the roots in, as this will re-grow.
|
Chemical Control
Chemical control is time efficient and can kill perennial weeds that have long tap roots, such as dandelions. However chemical control is unfriendly to the environment. The sprays can kill beneficial insects and garden plants growing in close proximity to the weeds, especially if it is a you are a little haphazard with your control of the spray, or if it is a windy day.
Weed killers containing a strong chemical such as glyphosate are invariably systemic, meaning that once sprayed onto a weed's leaves, the poison is absorbed into the plant and carried through it and down to the roots, ultimately killing the whole plant.
|
Weeds spoil the look of a nice green lawn,and they can spread quickly. Most of them can be controlled by mowing over them regularly, but this is unlikely to kill them completely. Chemicals, such as Scotts Verdone Extra, kill certain lawn weeds in just one treatment.
|
Annual Weeds
An annual weed's main aim in life is to grow, flower and set seed as quickly as it can. Of course, annual weeds only live for one year, or even one season. Unfortunately, however, their seeds can survive for a long time in the soil, often many years, waiting for the ideal conditions in which to germinate.
By cultivating and turning over garden soil - in beds, borders and the kitchen garden -you will invariably be bringing weed seeds to the surface. This will allow them enough light, warmth, moisture and oxygen to germinate – and they'll romp away.
Pulling annuals by hand is usually possible, especially if the soil is moist. Otherwise hoeing between plants will rid you of them.
By cultivating and turning over garden soil - in beds, borders and the kitchen garden -you will invariably be bringing weed seeds to the surface. This will allow them enough light, warmth, moisture and oxygen to germinate – and they'll romp away.
Pulling annuals by hand is usually possible, especially if the soil is moist. Otherwise hoeing between plants will rid you of them.
Perennial Weeds
Perennial weeds are much more of a problem than annual weeds, because their roots overwinter in the ground. This means that if not controlled, they could live for several years, and with age they can grow thicker, deeper and more impenetrable.
Perennial weeds tend to have complex root systems and can be difficult to dig out. Some will have deep tap roots (which snap off as soon as you try to pull them) whilst others spread unseen, underground. With most perennials Even by leaving the tiniest bit of root in the ground you will more than likely get a new plant next year.
Perennial weeds tend to have complex root systems and can be difficult to dig out. Some will have deep tap roots (which snap off as soon as you try to pull them) whilst others spread unseen, underground. With most perennials Even by leaving the tiniest bit of root in the ground you will more than likely get a new plant next year.