COMMUNITY - Weeding Tips & Tricks

If you cringe waiting for a notice about the weeds in your courtyard and garden patio spaces—you are not alone! Many of us are finding it difficult to find the time or keep up with them. Some have allergies or can no longer physically get down to pull them out. Let us be honest--some of us just hate any type of yard work. Regardless of the reason, the weeds are still there and so is our need to do our part to keep them under control. Prevention can take stress out of this task and is worth taking time up front to try and outsmart them.

In the absence of a personal gardener, the simplest trick is to apply a weed treatment that will kill the weeds and often prevent regrowth. You may have to clean out the dried remains once they are dead, but pulling the dead ones out will be easier to do and they will be less likely to regrow this season. There are several effective commercial solutions available in spray bottles for trouble-free application. You can ask for recommendations at your local lawn and garden center or department. Below are a few effective solutions to help with the problem.

WEED BARRIER FABRICS:  There are many outdoor weed barrier fabrics designed to line garden spaces and prevent weeds from pushing through. These fabrics are effective but weaken and wear out over time from weather exposure, temperature changes and age. When this happens, you will start to find unwanted weeds and plants popping through the weave and any breaks in the fabric. Then you have the option of pulling the weeds or using a chemical or natural solution to kill them. Normally these fabrics are good for a year or two, then will need to be replaced for effectiveness.

DIY WEED TREATMENT:  If you are conscious of the environment and prefer not to use potentially toxic chemicals, there is an easy solution you can make at home with simple ingredients you may already have on hand. Below is the recipe:

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Acetic acid in the vinegar and the salt work to draw moisture from the weeds. This stops the growing process.

Dish soap breaks up tension in the liquid solution, so the liquid does not bead up on top or slide off the leaves. By breaking this tension, the solution is quickly absorbed by the weed and the process begins.

Weeds will start to turn brown and wither in a matter of hours, but the complete process may take 24-48 hours to complete.

Natural solution does not work on the root system, so it may be necessary to repeat treatment again as new weeds grow from the remaining roots.

WINDOW WELL WEEDS:  They are called window wells, but ours is like a terrarium under its cover. Spray this solution on weeds growing in them and they will quickly die out. Because of their root systems, you may have to re-treat periodically until the root systems give up. It is easier than weeding if you cannot easily get down to pull them.

NOTE:  This solution can be stored in a spray bottle to easily grab and re-apply. It is a simple treatment for plant and weed growth along sidewalk and driveway cracks as well. Take caution around plants and flowers you wish to keep as the solution will also kill them if it is absorbed through their leaves and petals.