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How to Fight Weeds: Tips from Experienced Gardeners
15.05.2024 15:10
This is one of the most common problems that gardeners face.
These unwanted plants compete with planted crops for nutrients and space, limiting their growth and yield.
Experienced gardeners will share their proven tips and methods for effective weed control to help you keep your garden and vegetable patch clean and tidy, says Anastasia Kovrizhnykh .
Mulching
One of the most effective ways to reduce weed growth is to mulch the soil.
By covering the soil with a layer of mulch, such as straw, sawdust, manure, or special garden mulch, you create a barrier that makes it difficult for weeds to germinate and reduces their number. Mulch also retains moisture and suppresses weed growth around plants.
Manual digging
For small areas or in the absence of chemicals, manual weeding can be used.
It is important to remove weeds completely so as not to leave any roots or tubers that can recover and grow again. Regular hand digging will help reduce their spread and keep the garden clean.
Use of chemicals
Chemical herbicides can be effective in controlling weeds, but they should be used with caution.
Before using chemicals, you must carefully read the manufacturer's instructions and follow all safety precautions. Choose herbicides that are specifically designed to combat certain types of weeds.
Water as needed
Weeds can spread quickly in poorly drained areas and where the soil remains constantly wet.
Proper watering management will help reduce the risk of weed growth, as many weeds cannot tolerate dry soil. Water plants only when necessary, avoiding over-watering.
Proper handling of seeds
Weed seeds can survive in the soil for many years and begin to germinate under favorable conditions.
To minimize their growth, you should avoid using soil containing weed seeds to create compost. Also, you should use only high-quality and tested seed material from your own crops and purchased plants.
Planting dense crops
Planting crops closely together can help reduce the amount of open space where weeds can grow.
When plants are close together, weeds are unable to spread and are crowded out by beneficial crops. Optimize your planting by considering the recommendations for planting patterns for each type of plant.
Various tools of struggle
There are many specialized tools available to help you control weeds.
One of them is a cleaver, which is used to break through the roots of weeds and pull them out of the soil.
Another useful tool is a weed puller, which allows you to remove weeds by the roots without having to dig into the soil.
Earlier we wrote about how to get rid of aphids in your garden.
