November 25, 2008
Using Solutions Without Chemicals for Weed Control for Your Lawn and Garden
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While it may seem like an impossible goal, keeping your lawn and garden areas weed-free without using harmful chemicals can be done. Some people think that it is just too much work and can only mean hours of back-breaking, knee-numbing work. Fortunately, you don’t have to get down on your knees and pull those weeds out by hand. In fact, the whole idea is to work smarter, instead of harder, and still enjoy chemical-free weed control.
The first big change needed to begin controlling the weeds in your lawns and gardens without chemicals is to properly prepare the soil for the areas in question. This would be considered laying the proper foundation where you will be growing your plants. It is best to implement the following ideas before doing your plantings so that you get your chemical-free weed control project off to a great start.
One of the best ways to avoid having weeds sprout up in your gardens or patio lawn is to kill the weeds though a process called soil solarization. This is a preventative approach and a completely organic way of eliminating weeds before they even have a chance to sprout. However, soil solarization does require a good bit of work, and is only effective if you can start planting the area with a clean slate.
Another very effective way to keep weeds out of your lawn and garden without dumping a lot of toxic chemicals all over your landscape design is to install landscape fabrics. These specially made fabrics are very effective and can be considered a great hi-tech partner in battling weeds without chemical treatments.
Utilizing garden mulch is another very beneficial approach to protecting your lawns and gardens from an invasion of weeds. While landscape fabrics work from below the prepared planting area, mulch is applied to the top of the soil, around your plants and can effectively smother a weed trying to break through to the surface. Mulch can also be used in conjunction with the anti-weed landscape fabrics for a one-two punch strategy of organic weed control.
Another added benefit of using mulch is that it also has the ability to provide insulation to your plantings. This insulation value is particularly helpful in the summertime and can help to keep the underlying soil both cool and moist. This will reduce the watering requirements and will also protect the root systems from damage caused by sever heat.
While some people have chalked it up to an old wives tale, vinegar can also help you control weeds without chemicals. It is the acetic acid in the vinegar that delivers an herbicidal dose to weeds. But, you will need a stronger variety than what you probably have in the cupboard and you can look for super-strength vinegar in weed and feed stores.
However, if you want to use vinegar to organically kill the weeds in your lawn and garden, then you must apply it carefully and only to the weeds. Vinegar is a “non-selective” herbicide and can harm any plants that are exposed to it, so it is not recommended for lawns. But, vinegar can be a terrific way to control weeds organically in your planting beds if you are careful about spraying it only on the unwanted plants.
No realestate is finished without some type of grass, as well as some forms of shruberry to help enhance the overall quality of the building. The enhanced curb appeal as well as the added value can make the final difference when selling a home or adding to the over all value of the house. Any small amounts help and you don’t have to always use a professional to complete the landscaping for you. There is no downside to get some advice from professionals or some knowledge prior to you beginning tearing up your front yard. Some trees, some pleasant green grass, and you will get it down pat before you know it Who knows? Maybe you will consider it as a line of work that you might be curious in pursuing. The following are some of the frequently asked question people have for landscaping so that you can have an idea of how landscaping is done and how it can be easier than you might think.
Can I do my own landscaping?
Yes, you can do your own landscaping if you have a small amount of information on how to get it done and if have the time to do so. You will be getting your hands dirty. Plus you will need to have knowledge of what plants are the best for your terrain. If you are making structures that are man-made such as ponds or decks, you will have to have some carpentry and plumbing skills. You will also have to know the way to maintain the pond since the last thing you need after putting in all that work is to develop a body of water loaded with mosquito larvae and algae.
What is the difference between annuals and perennials?
Both are, certainly, plants although the difference is in how long they last and how often you have to plant them again. Annuals must be replanted every year. Some examples of annuals are any kind of vegetable, sunflowers as well as flowers such as violets. Perennials are plants that will regenerate themselves. They include trees, bulb plants such as lilies, tulips and include roses and other hardy plants that become inactive during the winter months. The majority of grasses which are ornamental are thought to be perennials.
Whats the best way to decide on the kind of plant to use?
The kind of plant you choose will be contingent upon on your climate and how much you want to water. It will also be dependent on the amount of sun that your receives during the day. Some plants thrive in the shade while others will wilt. For those individuals who live in drought prone areas, they should consider planting hardy plants that need little water and really help to conserve the soil from process of erosion. Numerous individuals choose to have rock gardens as well as cactus if they happen to live in desert climates.
At what time is the ideal season for planting?
The ideal planting season is dependent upon what variation of plant you wish to grow. The best time to plany bulbs is in the fall so that they have the necessary time to root within the soil. Other types of plants are best suited to planting in the months of the spring. Some plants will not produce flowers or fruits for one or two seasons later so you need to get ready for this. Trees will need to go through several years before they become large enough to furnish adequate shade or produce fruit.
Will it increase the value and curb appeal of my home?
A great lawn can add tremendous curb appeal and value to your home. It will make the features of your home stand out and if you are looking to sell your home, it is one of the first details that potential buyers will notice. There is nothing quite like a well manicured lawn and carefully trimmed hedges that add immense immediate value to a property.
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