Effective Weed Control Methods
A gardener’s worst nightmare can be summed up in one word: weeds. Weeds have their way of rapidly taking over the garden. Much like those gremlins in the 80’s movies of the same name by acclaimed Hollywood director, Steven Spielberg, weeds multiply at an alarming rate once they come in contact with water. But unlike those gremlins in the movie, you cannot choose not to water them, since water is needed by your plants – the ones you intended to grow at least – nearby.
Hence, weed control has become a very important undertaking for gardeners the world over. It has become a necessary skill to learn, as weeds can deprive our plants of the nutrients they need. Weeds are highly aggressive. They will compete for the said nutrients at every turn. And since our plants – our real plants – are grossly outnumbered, the victor is pretty much determined if weeds are allowed to propagates
Weeds are also dangerous for your plants because they promote the infestation of unwanted pests that would ruin the leaves, stems and roots of your growing crops.
Effective weed control can be exercised through the following methods:
1. Regularly pulling out the weeds that have grown in your garden. Though this is the instinctive retaliatory measure, it’s not the most efficient. Weeds can leave their seeds, or seedlings, even after you pull out the visible ones. The result? New batches of weeds will persistently grow in your garden, over and over again. Pulling out the weeds is just a temporary weed control remedy.
2. Tilling the soil. This is more efficient, and actually easier, then manually pulling out the weeds. But there are weeds which are just very persistent. No amount of tilling will ever get rid of them.
3. Mulching. Mulching the soil is the best weed control remedy available for you. It works in so many levels. First, it kills existing weeds. Second, it thwarts the growth of seeds and seedlings. Third, it encourages the growth of “garden allies” like earthworms, which will continuously work underground to provide the best soil for your plants. Fourth, it will ensure that the soil will have enough moisture for the healthy growth of your plants. And fifth, it has long term benefits, and can provide a semi-permanent solution to your weed problems.
The spread of weeds in your garden can be a very frustrating experience. But never give up. Weeds can be defeated, and weeds can be contained.
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