Weed Control Methods in your Garden?

All about weed control – Exterminate, re-germinate

An overzealous caretaker may jump at the chance to waste offending weeds with a weed eater strike and a dousing of some post-emergent chemical weed killer. This is never advisable, as weed control is a complicated practice that is always best begun with a non-toxic attempt, eventually moving toward the more noxious chemical weed killers as a last resort. The gung-ho lawn man will face even more weeds by carelessly spreading weed carcasses and seeds over the yard.

Take note of the following tips, starting with the traditional, non-toxic, weed control methods.

• • If you are dealing with weeds in a garden, be vigilant. Check for weeds regularly and pull them out by the roots. A thick layer of mulch, be it compost, newspaper, rocks, or bark, will help any plant grow healthy. The mulch also keeps the soil cool, preventing weed seeds from germinating. Bare soil will almost always develop weeds.

• • As a general rule, it’s advisable to start with the least toxic method and work your way up. It may cost a little more time and money, but it’s preferable to killing your lawn.

• • After manually removing your weeds, be sure to discard them in a tight bag to prevent the seeds from spreading.

• • Crabgrass, usually a pain to remove, can be yanked out easily if you learn to recognize the first two leaves that sprout.
  • A weed eater is your friend, but it can hack up a lawn or garden. Poulan weed eaters are good products; the freedom from tangled extension chords is well worth the price of gas.

If you don’t like the results, start spraying.

• • Pre-emergents are a popular choice because they deal with weeds before they grow. A toxic layer of gas prevents the seed from breaking the soil’s surface. Don’t bother with them, though, until you rid your lawn of actual weeds.

• • For those resorting to chemical methods, protect yourself with long sleeves, pants, and neoprene gloves. It is recommended to use a respirator and goggles, too.
  • For dandelions, you’re best served with a post-emergent, broadleaf weed killer. Post-emergent herbicides target specific breeds (in this case, broadleaved weeds) and can be sprayed directly on lawns. Look for low-profile, dark green leaves with serrated edges. Spray these dandelions before they flower, taking care not to hit desirable plants – best done by waiting for the wind to die.

Weed Identification Guide

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