Weeds growing in a garden plot is the bane of all gardeners. Manually pulling weeds from isolated spots is not too much of a burden but the moment a gardener skips a few days of performing such a mundane task quickly becomes problematic requiring more energy to remove and control the weedy issue (Courtesy: kellogggarden.com).
By John Green, Orange, Texas’ Certified Expert Gardener, Orange County
We decided to visit family in Brownsville this past week and while here I can’t help but to reflect on a ‘growing’ problem while away from home. For some reason, I always feel a bit guilty when my gardening chores lapse! Many gardeners (me included) have curtailed much of the gardening work, especially pulling weeds due to the blistering summer heat and extraordinary humidity. It literally pangs me to allow the garden to “go to the weeds”, as weed growth seems to have exploded with them popping up everywhere! This gardener is always looking for simple solutions to save time (and stress on my lower back) and reduce weed populations other than by physically ‘pulling’ weeds. Once weeds get a strong hold within our garden areas the amount of energy required to remove them increases exponentially (becoming back-wrenching work), as I choose not to use chemicals to assist in the weed removal process.
Over the years, I have tried numerous ways to reduce and control weeds organically with varying degrees of success, always without the use of herbicides. Here are a few ways which have proven to be highly successful in reducing weeds which I want to share with other gardeners to help you rid the garden of those darned weeds. Each organic method is safe for family and pets without the use of complex chemicals which are devastating to our environment. Utilizing combined approaches will provide the best results.
- Soap – The oil in soap will break down the waxy composition and hairy weed surfaces making them vulnerable to vinegar and alcohol exposure. Note that soap also makes the leaves shiny which is a visual aid to gardeners. Applying a soap mixture (2 drops liquid detergent with two cups water) the mixture will adhere to leaves causing the destruction of the weed.
- Vinegar – There are two types of (white) vinegar which can be used effectively. Vinegar purchased from local grocery markets contains approximately 5% acetic acid, the other type is horticultural vinegar that can be purchased online or some garden centers, which ranges in concentration from 20 to 30% acetic acid and should be handled with care meaning gardeners need to wear protective clothing and gloves. Vinegar (acetic acid) absorbs into the top layer of the plant leaves, reducing the plants’ ability to manufacture chlorophyll which basically neutralizes the life-giving cells of the plant’s leaves. It is highly destructive to young, tender weed leaves. Those weeds which have waxy leaves, vinegar will just roll off the leaf top which suggests gardeners must also spray the leaves underside. It is important to note before using vinegar of any concentration to cover garden plants before spraying to minimize overspray from hitting them, as vinegar does not discriminate between weeds or plants and is detrimental to all plants.
- Alcohol or Vodka – isopropyl alcohol or an inexpensive vodka (do not waste the good stuff) can also aid in removing and controlling weeds. A mixture of 1 ounce alcohol or vodka with 2 cups of water, then adding a few drops liquid dish detergent will ‘dry out’ sun loving weeds.
- Boiling Water – this is the best way to remove weeds which take up residence in cracks and seams of driveways, sidewalks, pathways, etc. Note: the use of boiling water is not recommended for flower beds or vegetable gardens as it will severely damage garden plants. Heat a kettle of water to boiling, then pour over the weeds which will meet an instant demise. If used on pathways, the boiling water seeps through the cracks & seams to the path’s perimeter and the boiling water will have cooled enough not to damage other perimeter plants.
- Corn Gluten Meal – is a corn byproduct which inhibits weed seeds from germinating, meaning new weeds will not grow. Spread it on the soil surface, around plants and again after seedlings have started growing. Once vegetables are harvested, apply more to prevent late season weeds.
- Newspaper/Cardboard – layer a carpet of newspaper (10 sheets thick) or cardboard on top of the weeds surround plants. This will block the sunlight and keep oxygen from reaching the soil smothering the weeds. Lightly dampen the layers to keep them in place, then cover with mulch. It will reduce weeds and as it decomposes the material is adding beneficial nutrients back into the soil.
These non-chemical weed treatments will help to manage and control your garden areas of weeds. So long for now fellow gardeners! Let’s go out and grow ourselves a greener, more sustainable world, one plant at a time! Thank you for the questions & kind comments. Please continue sending gardening questions to: jongreene57gmail.com.
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