A weed is a plant that is considered undesired in a particular situation “a plant at a wrong place”. Weeds are the bane for every gardener or farmer. They are the invasive plants in every garden, lawn, cracks in sideways, driveways, farms, fields, etc.
Weeds require less sunlight and water to grow, but they grow at a rapid pace. They compete with the desired plants for the resources that typically need direct sunlight, soil nutrients, water, and (to a lesser extent) space for growth. The presence of weeds does not usually mean that they are damaging a crop, especially during the early growth stages.
However, as growth proceeds they each begin to require greater amounts of water and nutrients that lead to competition between weeds and crops.
Indeed, there are many ways of controlling weeds. Following are the natural ways to curb the growth of weeds:-
Mulching
If used correctly, mulch prevents weeds from getting the warmth and light they need to survive. To keep weeds from growing you need to put a 2-3 inch layer. That’s enough to keep most weeds seeds from germinating.
Hand pulling
One of the natural ways to remove weeds from invading the garden plants is by hand pulling. The best times to remove weeds are when the soil is damp and moist. Damp soil is loose and makes it easier to remove weeds. Otherwise, you may risk leaving the roots stuck in the soil. If the soil is dry and hard you may consider it hosing.
Torching the weeds
The goal is not to burn the weeds, but to kill the plant tissue so that they can’t grow further. Flame weeding kills the weed above the ground, but it doesn’t kill the roots. The problem with burning weeds in the garden is that it’s hard to expose the weeds to the flame without exposing other plants as well.
Groundcover
A chemical can help prevent weeds from growing for only a few months, after which they reappear if you don’t reapply the chemical. For long-lasting results, you can use a ground cover or landscape fabric, which prevents them from growing for a few years. Ground cover blocks sunlight from entering the covered area, preventing unwanted plants (weeds) from growing, although it allows air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the soil.
Boiling water
A chemical can help prevent weeds from growing for only a few months, after which they reappear if you don’t reapply the chemical. For long-lasting results, you can use a ground cover or landscape fabric, which prevents them from growing for a few years. Ground cover blocks sunlight from entering the covered area, preventing unwanted plants (weeds) from growing, although it allows air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the soil.
Grow more plants
In the garden, there is a competition for resources among the plants and weeds, where only the strongest survive and thrive. Plant ground covers, flowers, and garden crops that will naturally beat the weeds for sunlight, water, and nutrients.
A chemical can help prevent weeds from growing for only a few months, after which they reappear if you don’t reapply the chemical. For long-lasting results, you can use a ground cover or landscape fabric, which prevents them from growing for a few years. Ground cover blocks sunlight from entering the covered area, preventing unwanted plants (weeds) from growing, although it allows air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the soil.
Though we try all methods of Weed control (natural, biological, chemical, mechanical methods), there is no stopping those annoying weeds from reappearing. We should regularly take preventive methods to stop them from reappearing.