Maintaining a healthy home garden is a hands-on task. You need to consider everything from the ideal weather to the best supplements for stimulating plant growth. This also includes getting rid of weeds—plant killers that can be a nuisance and prevent you from maintaining a lush, green outdoor space. So, you should keep an eye out for weeds and stop their growth. Here are 6 useful tips for managing and preventing weed growth:
Identify the type of weed
You may think all weeds are bad and should be removed. But it is important to identify the type so that you can choose the most effective countermeasures. For instance, many types of weeds are unaffected by pesticides and sprays. So, to avoid wasting time, first, you should try to identify the type of weed growing in your backyard. For example, broadleaf weeds grow flat and are not grassy or needle-like. Common examples here could be dandelions, clovers, or ground ivy. Grassy weed is a more common type that resembles regular grass but is easily identifiable due to its distinctive growth pattern. If you spot triangular or tube-like weeds that are not as flat as the blades of the grass, then these are regular wild creepers.
Use a potent spray
Some growths, like crabgrass, persist and dominate the entire garden. Crabgrass is an annual weed that thrives in hot and humid weather and targets barren spots in the garden. The weed can ruin the look of the garden and potentially produce over 150,000 seeds for a single plant during the growing season. One of the best ways to target its growth is by using Preen® Lawn Crabgrass Control. This product comes with pre- and post-emergent action to counter crabgrass overgrowth. The dual action formula comes in a granular form and is potent for 4 months after it has been applied. Alternatively, if you are looking for the best plant killer sprays, you can try the Spectracide Weed Stop for Lawns, which is effective against 470 different types of weed growth. The spray covers up to 5,000 square feet and works well in both warm and cold climates. You can find several crabgrass killer products today intended for use in different temperatures and climates.
Manually pull out the weeds
Many types of weeds are resistant to chemical sprays. Here, manually yanking the overgrowth by the root can prevent the weeds from sprouting seeds and germinating. There are many techniques you can choose, like hand pulling—a popular technique where you identify the patches of weed growth and pull out the baby plants before they mature. But this is the most labor-intensive technique and is advisable only if you are dealing with smaller patches of weed growth. Alternatively, you can also use a weeder tool to get more control and exert minimal force while pulling out the weeds. Or, a scuffle hoe can help you tackle larger patches of overgrowth. Scuffle hoes can burrow deep and cut the plant at the roots while pulling a large patch of overgrowth in a single action. You can save time and effort by using such tools in the process. You can even apply a layer of herbicides or plant-killer sprays to tackle leftover roots.
Use organic herbicides
Herbicides are potent sprays that can control the growth of weeds around plants. These liquids come in handy in places where it is not possible to manually remove weeds. It is better to use organic herbicides that naturally kill the weed plants and avoid damaging any other growths in the vicinity. Corn gluten is a popular compound used to control the overgrowth of crabgrass and different types of lawn weeds. You can also consider a white vinegar-based herbicide to counter fast-growing weeds.
Try flame weeders
If you tend to your garden often, then a flame weeder to destroy weed growth can be a suitable option. This tool is designed to wipe out excess weed growth by torching the grass and burning off the excess in small patches. But the technique does not destroy the roots, so you will have to use the flame weeder several times in a growth cycle to properly tackle and address the problem. On the one hand, burnt weeds can be used as a supplement as it replenishes the soil with nutrients to aid the growth of healthy plants. Flaming also gets rid of pests that can thrive among the weeds.
Water just the cultivated plants
One of the common mistakes among first-time gardeners is watering the entire garden. But here, you are simply providing additional nourishment to the weeds along with the plants. Weeds mostly grow in patches, so you can strategically deprive these growths of all forms of nourishment. Over time, the weeds will wither away, leaving behind a clean patch ready for new plants. You can place drip soakers around plants and vegetation and deprive the weeds of any nutrition. While this does not ensure the complete removal of harmful weeds, it will still them from growing and starve the smaller weeds before they mature and deprive healthy plants of all nutrition.
A person excited about agriculture would understand the joy of seeing the first little bud or a blooming flower. The positive effects of gardening go beyond enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your home – they work wonders on a person’s respiratory health. They are associated with mood enhancement and stress reduction. Gardening is a long-term activity demanding commitment and an understanding of each plant’s requirements. Some common gardening mistakes that one must avoid are listed below.
Using too much or too little mulch
Mulch is essential for plants to obtain the required nutrients for healthy growth. However, adding too much or too little mulch can prevent the plant from thriving, as mulch contains nitrogen, and excessive nitrogen levels can harm plants. In contrast, adding too little mulch can deprive the plant of the required nutrition. Thus, gardeners should understand the amount of mulch plants need for healthy development.
Treating all plants the same way
A common mistake several gardeners make is to treat all their plants equally. One size doesn’t fit all, even when it comes to plants. It is important to know the differences in each plant’s requirements and cater to them accordingly. For example, some houseplants, like lucky bamboo, survive in dryer conditions and should not be watered every day, whereas others, like dwarf rose, must be watered daily to survive. Seasoned gardeners understand what every plant needs.
Not considering the climatic conditions while choosing plants
The growth and blossoming of plants depend mainly on the climatic conditions of an area. For example, poppies, European roses, and Alpine plants will not be able to survive in tropical climates, as they require cold climatic conditions to thrive. In contrast, other plants like okra, tomatoes, peppers, and basil require abundant sunlight and cannot sustain in cold conditions. Thus, gardeners must consider the climatic conditions of their area while deciding what plants to grow.
Choosing the wrong spot to grow plants
Some areas of a garden or balcony may not receive the same amount of sunlight as others. Choosing the wrong spot to grow plants can cause them to become weaker with time and eventually wither due to insufficient sunlight. So, it is imperative to designate a spot with adequate sunlight to ensure that plants remain healthy.
Not removing the weeds frequently
Weeds can take up space in the garden and compete with the plant for sunlight, water, and nutrients. With time, weeds may cause plants to grow weak and lack essential nutrients. Therefore, gardeners should remove weeds from time to time. One can set reminders for removing weeds if required.
Avoiding crop rotation
Crop rotation helps retain soil nutrients without needing synthetic fertilizers and other inputs. Therefore, it should be an essential process in gardens to enhance soil health and increase biodiversity.
Not planting flowers that attract pollinators
Pollination is an essential process for plants to produce fruits and seeds. Bees, flies, beetles, and butterflies are common pollinators attracted by plants like sunflowers, lavender, cuphea, and calendula. Gardens should include at least 2-3 plants that attract pollinators.
Not leaving sufficient space between plants
Growing plants in congested environments can hamper plant growth and prevent each plant from receiving adequate nutrients. It can also increase the susceptibility of plants to contracting diseases. Therefore, growing plants 18-24 inches apart in gardens is advisable to ensure the space is not congested.
Placing plants too deeply into the soil
When transferring plants from pots to the garden, it is important to plant them only as deep as they were rooted in the pot. If mulch must be added, it should be placed an inch above ground level. Planting them too deeply in the soil can cause them to weaken and die early.
Pruning too early
While pruning is an essential aspect of gardening, over-pruning or pruning before time may cause one to remove the buds off their branches. Consequently, there may be no flowers in the plant during spring; therefore, it is important to be patient and prune only during spring.
Using too many chemical fertilizers
Chemical fertilizers may help ward off pests and insects; however, they may destroy the plants over time and harm health if any part of such plants is eaten. Therefore, it is advisable to replace chemical fertilizers with organic ones and use fertilizers only if the plants require them.
Working on wet soil
According to experts, working on wet soil can destroy its structure, requiring long recovery periods. So, it is important to wait for the soil to dry a little and begin working it when it is moist but not too wet.
Not harvesting ripe fruits, vegetables, and flowers
It is best to harvest fruits, vegetables, and flowers on time when they are ripe and ready. Leaving them on the plant can cause them to wither or rot eventually and become food for birds and insects.
Not experimenting with different gardening styles and plants
Stepping out of their comfort zone can help gardeners understand the skill better, as each plant has specific gardening requirements. It can serve as an enriching learning experience for gardeners and help them master the skill of gardening “on the field.”
A lush green lawn is a dream for most homeowners. However, one must put in the effort and follow a lawn maintenance routine. In most cases, lawn care is a mix of daily and weekly tasks. You can either do them yourself or hire professionals. Furthermore, you can follow a few tips to ease the process and keep your lawn green all year round. Keep reading for tips to keep your lawn healthy.
Tips to ensure a green and healthy lawn
Watering the lawn when dry
While this tip might seem obvious, watering your lawn is one of the best ways to maintain it. In most scenarios, when you thoroughly water your lawn, it contributes to strong and deep roots. These strong roots are the key to ensuring the grass grows healthy. Furthermore, you must remember that the stronger the roots, the more nutrients the grass can absorb from the soil, thus allowing the growth of lush, green, and healthy grass. Some of the best times to water your lawn include early in the morning before sunrise or in the evening after sunset.
Mowing the grass every week
One of the best tips to keep your lawn healthy includes regular mowing of the grass. As a standard practice, you must mow your lawn once a week in the summer and spring seasons. However, during the other months, you may need to adjust the frequency of lawn mowing depending on factors such as local climate and weather conditions. In addition to the above, you must ensure the lawn is mowed early in the evening. It ensures that the grass is moisturized.
Using sprinklers in the mornings
Another critical component that ensures a healthy lawn is sprinkling. While watering your lawn daily is not required, you must water it at least twice or thrice a week. Furthermore, if you wish to make the most of your time and other resources, you can use a sprinkler system that covers your entire lawn. Using this system, you can schedule the frequency of watering the lawn. However, for the best results, you must time the sprinkler system early, anywhere between 6 AM to 10 AM.
Keeping the grass high
The taller the grass, the healthier the lawn. So one of the tips that can be used to keep your lawn healthy is to keep the grass length 3 inches or taller. These long blades of grass make way for deeper roots, which are incredibly important to keep the lawn healthy. You must also avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass’ height. In addition to the above, the mower blades must remain sharp to avoid problems such as tears and frayed brown edges.
Training your pets to use a smaller area
Usually, homeowners with pets may notice yellow or dead spots in their lawn grass, which can prove to be a mess in an otherwise healthy lawn. These are the areas that the pets probably use to relieve themselves. To ensure a healthy lawn, you can set aside a designated lawn area for the pets. Afterward, you can train your furry friend to relieve themselves in that particular space to avoid damage to other areas of the lawn. It is best if the designated area is shady and hidden from view.
Investing in weed control
Most homeowners face a range of issues while trying to keep weeds away. However, you can employ a few basic lawn maintenance principles to help control the growth of weeds. As mentioned earlier, this can include weekly mowing, deep watering, and fertilizing. However, there are some varieties of weed species, such as crabgrass and broadleaf weeds, which can be hard to control. In such circumstances, you can use the best plant killer spray – Roundup® For Lawns- to effectively remove the toughest crabgrass and broadleaf weeds without damaging your lawn.
Fertilizing the lawn regularly
While the tips above can help keep your lawn healthy, it is also advised to invest in good-quality fertilizers to produce thick grass. It ensures that the soil remains cool, thus preventing the growth of weeds in the lawn. However, you must remember that most fertilizers are a mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These should typically be present in a 3:1:2 ratio. In addition to using fertilizers, you can allow the clippings to remain in the soil after mowing. These clippings can act as compost and release vital nutrients and nitrogen to improve soil health and keep your lawn green naturally.
Getting the soil tested
One of the most effective tips to help keep your lawn healthy is learning more about the soil. While regular mowing, fertilizing, and watering can deliver excellent results, a professional soil test can provide additional details about the health of the soil in your lawn. In most scenarios, these tests show the pH balance of the soil as well as its nutrient level. Learning more about these can help you ascertain the next steps that can be adopted for a healthier lawn.
Besides employing the abovementioned tips, you can also use the help of professional lawn care services to maintain your lawn and keep it lush green all year round. However, review factors such as their reputation, license, experience, and customer service before choosing a service provider.