Out of all the spring gardening jobs, weeding is probably the least favorite. However, if you want your garden to look gorgeous and have healthy plants which are not being robbed of water, light, and nutrients, you need to know how to get rid of them.
What is more, weeding is not only an unpleasant chore, but it is also a difficult one. So to help you complete this task as efficiently as possible, we prepared a list of the most common weeding mistakes that you have to avoid!
Act Fast
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The worst thing you can do is let the weeds grow. The moment they take over your entire garden, getting rid of them will be extremely difficult. They will not only weaken your plants and make your garden look ugly but also grow long and strong roots that will be hard to tear out. The best moment to pull them out is when they are small and have weak roots. That’s why it is crucial to act as soon as they appear. Walk around your yard once a week to check if they’re growing, and if they do, extract them from the ground immediately.
Use The Proper Tools
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You might feel tempted to tear out weeds by hand since they seem easy to pull. Then you realize that you were very wrong and that this task is not only hard but also takes a lot of time, which can trigger your frustration. To not let this happen, prepare in advance and get the right weeding tools. There is a large range of tools available, so everybody will be able to find something suitable. They come in different shapes and sizes, differ in price, and can be used for various purposes. That’s why, before making a purchase decision, conduct proper research, and based on that, choose the right tool for yourself.
Recognize The Weeds
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You will be surprised how many types of weeds can find shelter in your garden. Even though they might look similar, they can be very different from each other. That’s why it is crucial to recognize what kinds of weeds you host in your garden to create a perfect strategy to control them. If you don’t know your enemy, you can cause more harm than good, and the consequences will be tragic. Take a pen and a notebook, walk around your garden and list all the features of a given weed to determine its species later. Thanks to that, you will be able to find plenty of important information on the best approach to fight it.
Know How To Pull
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There is a special technique when it comes to pulling the weeds. If you do this incorrectly, you may snap the weed in two, leaving one half with the roots still in the ground. To be sure the entire weed is torn from the ground, keep a few things in mind. First, even though it can be more time-consuming, try to tear out one weed at a time. This approach will allow you to have better control over the weeds you pull. Secondly, try to cover as much of the weed area as possible while pulling by catching it as low as possible. Thanks to that, you increase the chances of getting all the roots out. Also, remember to minimize the risk of injury during this activity. To do so, try to sit down or kneel instead of bending over to protect your back.
Pull At The Right Time
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Very often, pulling weeds can be particularly challenging. Most of the time, this problem occurs when the soil is hard. That’s why if you don’t want to get extremely exhausted and frustrated, make sure you are weeding when the soil is soft. It means you should do this when it is well-drained, after a rain or watering your plants. It makes the whole activity more manageable because weeds come out of the ground more effortlessly with all their roots. So instead of putting all your strength into the pulling, water the soil well and make your life easier.
Don't let The Seeds Germinate
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If you want your garden to be free of weeds, in the first place, you should not allow their seeds to germinate. Weeds reproduce by spreading seeds. After some time, the soil may contain thousands of seeds waiting for some sunlight, water, and nutrients. That’s why when you weed the garden, try not to disturb the soil too much, so they can stay there without the access to these sources necessary for their development. It also applies to activities, such as digging or turning the soil. Another solution for preventing the seeds from germination is adding a layer of mulch to cut them off from the light for good.
Misuse Of Weed Killers
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There are plenty of ways to kill weeds naturally. However, sometimes these methods may be insufficient, or you might not have enough time to use them. At that moment, it is natural to use the help of weed killers. Unfortunately, there are people that use them incorrectly, which can lead to garden damage or even serious injuries. To make sure these problems never occur, first of all, read the information on the packaging and use the product accordingly. What is more, wear proper clothing when you apply them in your garden. It includes gloves, goggles, long trousers, and sleeved shirts. If you don't want to spend money on these products, you can always make some DIY weed killers at home.
To Sum Up
Getting rid of weeds is an unpleasant chore that not many gardeners enjoy. That’s why it is crucial to make it as painless as possible. So, if you want to get over this task and have time for other activities, avoid the most common weeding mistakes we have presented in this article!
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