Weeds refer to the unwanted plants that stem from your garden when you have planted crops. They compete with the crops for the essential nutrients in the soil, and when left unattended, they deprive them of the same. Weeds are especially detrimental to new seedlings, so you should keep them off as much as possible. It is also good to always ensure that your crops stay free of weeds. If you are wondering how to do that, this is the right article for you as it explains how reduce weed growth in your garden promptly.
Mulching
This refers to using mulch such as paper, sawdust, or compost to cover the soil in your garden. The mulch prevents sunlight from reaching the weeds; hence they don’t germinate. It also holds moisture underneath and hinders the growth of the weeds. Mulch is useful not only as a weed controller but also to enrich the soil and preserve even soil temperatures.
When the mulch decomposes over time, it provides the soil with nutrients that help your crops grow healthy. When covering the soil between crops, use mulch with at least one-inch layer thickness. Ensure that the mulch does not get close to the base of your crops because that may lead to insect invasion of your plants or rotting.
Pulling Them Out
Another way to get rid of weeds in your garden is manually pulling them out. Many people may not like it and find it very tiresome, but it is mysteriously introspective and relaxing for others. When pulling out the weed, ensure you have waterproof gloves and can also use cozy kneeling pads or a camp stool if you are going to be out in the garden for long.
Pulling out the weeds is best done when they are still young, and the soil is wet to ensure they slide out easily. When pulling, ensure that the weed’s root gets out as well. If the roots are left behind, then you are not doing much to control the growth of weeds in your garden because they will regrow again soon enough.
If you notice some weeds in your garden keep regrowing stubbornly, you need to dig them out. You can use garden tools such as a digging fork or spade to dig up the stubborn roots of the weed from the soil.
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Eliminate the Light
Cut out the light supply if the weeds are too many or become persistent in your garden. This is done by covering the soil with black-ink dampened newspaper or tape, removing cardboard, and adding two-layer compost or straw. This prevents sunlight from getting to the weeds; hence most of them will not grow.
You can also use custom tarps to cover the soil, and they prevent UV rays from getting to the weeds. They are available in different sizes also we have the lightweight and the super heavy ones, so you are spoilt for choice according to your preference.
When starting a new garden bed or space, this is an ideal weed control method. It also helps strengthen the soil by depositing nutrients in it, and it will save you on water required for irrigation.
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Dig Them Down Using a Hoe
No method beats the old way of doing things by getting a long-handled hoe and cutting the weeds entirely from the soil. Using the hoe to dig works best when the soil is dry. A ‘dust mulch’ is created when digging, which helps prevent the sprouting of new weeds.
You should not leave the weeds in the garden after digging them out. You can let them dry in the sun and then carry them to a compost pit. This method is most effective early in the season and should be done frequently to eliminate the weeds as the season advances.
Air Your Soil
You will be surprised how soil aeration could be the solution to the stubborn weeds found in your garden. Compacted soil provides a conducive environment for weeds to thrive, especially those with long roots. Using an aerator, you can plan on aerating the soil in your garden at least once every year. This works to lessen the number of deep-rooted weeds in your garden.
Closing Thoughts
Weeds affect the growth of crops in your garden, so it is essential to fight their development. The tips discussed above can help you greatly in fighting this enemy. It is, therefore, upon you to look at them and choose which will help reduce weed growth in your garden.
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