Get Rid of the Garden Jungle, Tackle the Weeds!
Weeds are unwelcome companions not only in flower beds, where they prevent crop productivity, but also on lawns and paved walkways, detracting from their beauty. While weeds are allowed to roam free in nature, in your yard you need to deal with them by hand. After all, you want to take pride in a well-maintained and, what's more, productive garden, don't you?
What exactly are weeds?
Weeds can be considered all plants that are undesirable for crops and also somewhat excess for the garden itself and its owner. Not only do such weeds detract from the beauty of your cultivated garden, but most importantly they cause damage to crops by naturally stealing moisture and nutrients. Weeds are sneaky, cuddly little thieves you need to watch out for. Most commonly in your garden you may encounter daisies, dandelions, plantains or nettles. You'll also come across couch grass, coltsfoot, white goosefoot or thistles.
Get rid of weeds mechanically
There are several ways to get rid of weeds, one of them being classic manual removal. This method isn't particularly convenient, but it works. Mechanical removal is especially suitable for weeds in the vegetable garden area, where you avoid unnecessary penetration of chemicals into the nutritious soil. Home-grown vegetables and fruit are so much better than store-bought precisely because they can do without artificial sprays!
What are the options for mechanical removal?
These include not only classic pulling, which however has only a very short-term effect, but also hoeing, digging out or excavating entire weed plants, which is much more effective.
What will you need and how to proceed?
Ideally, get into battle early, when weeds haven't yet sprouted in full force. In such cases, not only the plants but also their roots are weak and won't have time to seed. So there's a better chance you'll get rid of them for good! Use a hoe and garden fork and be thorough. Pull out the entire weed including roots, not just the above-ground part of the plant. Sometimes it'll take some effort, but unlike mere pulling, this method pays off in the long run.
Next, dig over the soil and in the case of ornamental shrubs or perennials also mulch, that is, cover with a layer of grass or bark to prevent further weed growth. For the same purpose you can also use black non-woven fabric. Skip watering for the time being.
Get Rid of Weeds Using Chemicals
Although for home use the mechanical method is more suitable and often completely sufficient, I'll also introduce you to the chemical method of weed removal. Remember, however, that the natural method is much gentler for your garden, especially for your beds and crops. Walkways and other artificially created surfaces, however, will often require special treatment - in that case, bet on effective chemistry.
Chemical weed killers, called herbicides, come in two types. You can encounter so-called total herbicides that eliminate all plants in a snap. You can therefore use them if you want to completely remove vegetation from a certain area - for example, to remove unwanted growth on your walkway. The second type are selective herbicides that only affect selected plant species. They're suitable for example for lawn areas.
How to Proceed
Apply chemical preparations individually according to instructions. However, the most ideal is to apply preparations during sunny weather during the day. This way you'll avoid washing away or unintentional spreading by rain and moisture from dew. Herbicides also need a certain amount of time to take effect, so wait until the plants completely dry out and turn yellow, and only then remove them completely manually.
To Be Fair... or How to Utilize Weeds
We primarily try to get rid of weeds, but they can also be nicely utilized. Many of the uninvited garden guests can't be denied their medicinal effects - for example, plantain or nettle. Some of them are also a source of pollen, and beekeepers therefore appreciate them rather than fight against them. So besides primarily wanting to get rid of them, try to utilize them secondarily as well.
Medicinal weeds can be dried, pressed, or used fresh. You can prepare, for example, teas, make natural cosmetics, or medicines from them. Weeds can also serve for mulching - in this case, however, be careful that they're not seed-bearing plants, otherwise they would cause more harm than benefit.
Summary
For vegetable and fruit beds overrun with weeds, honest mechanical removal applies. It's unnecessary and harmful to use chemicals. While for walkways, paving, and lawn areas, you can treat yourself to more convenient and effective chemical help. In both cases, patience and regularity pay off.