9 Top Natural & Homemade Weed Killers For your garden

Are you trying to grow fruit and veg in your garden, but weeds are creeping up everywhere? or are you simply trying to keep your backyard neat with sustainable methods?

Then you should know that it is much easier and environmentally friendly to treat your garden with homemade weed killers. Many eco-friendly methods of weed control will also enhance the beauty of your garden, making it a garden to be proud of.

And should you require support with removing all hedge clippings, grass cuttings, weeds, leaves, turf, and litter to the nearest recycling center, the garden clearance experts at Express Waste Removals can lend a helping hand.

So, give these eco-friendly natural DIY weed killers a go and improve your outdoor space.

 

1. BIODEGRADABLE LANDSCAPE

Landscape fabrics create a physical barrier that prevents weeds from germinating and sprouting. Many weed control barriers are environmentally friendly and biodegradable, for example, made of linen or wool. So, you don’t have to worry about the impact on the environment. Installing landscape fabrics can be used along with mulch to keep annual and perennial weeds at bay. This type of weed control is best suited for growing perennial garden plants. Not only will landscape fabrics eliminate the use of harmful weedkilling spray, but you’ll also have less work in your yard.

2. Mulch

Mulch is one of the best natural methods of weed control that does not use harmful weed killers. Organic mulch such as bark chips or wood chips form a protective layer on the soil that helps to block out light and thus suppress the growth of weeds. You can also mulch around landscape trees to enhance their appearance. Mulch also promotes soil health and protects plants in winter. For example, organic mulch breaks down and slowly releases nutrients to the soil, just as organic food waste aka compost does. Mulching flower beds also prevents moisture from evaporating on hot summer days. In winter, mulch isolates the soil and protects perennial plants from cold and frost.

3. Trowel

For some types of stubborn weeds — think dandelions, dock, and other taproot weeds — digging up by hand is an effective method. If you eradicate annoying weeds by removing the root, you will permanently remove the unwanted weeds. This, of course, involves a little work, but you will have the satisfaction of enjoying a weed-free garden landscape. To facilitate weeding, thoroughly water the area of the garden or lawn where you want to remove weeds. The moist soil is easier to work with and dig. Then dig around the weeds and carefully loosen them from the ground. Be careful not to break the roots. If a root breaks off, make sure you dig it up. Otherwise, the weeds will return.

4.   EDGES

Create a physical barrier to prevent weeds from spreading and sprouting. An edge of wood, stone or recycled plastic at least 15 cm deep prevents weed roots from spreading underground. If the edge is a few centimeters above the ground, it can also prevent weeds from getting over the surface. Edges also have another advantage for your garden. Use edges around flower beds, along paths, or to separate parts of your garden to improve the appearance. Since edges require less weeding, you’ll have more time to enjoy your garden landscape.

5.   GROUND COVER

Planting groundcover plants is one of the best eco-friendly ways to keep weeds out for good. Many creeping ground plants are perfect for full sun, and there are ground covers for shady areas.  Perennial ground covers prevent light, which means weeds can’t sprout and grow.

Another benefit of planting groundcover plants to permanently remove weeds is that they are low maintenance. So, you get beautiful flowering plants that form a color blanket without weeds or hard work.

6.   Grow LAWN GRASS

Let the grass grow higher to prevent crabgrass, dandelions, or other pesky weeds from taking root in your lush, green lawn. If you mow your lawn grass too short, annoying weeds can grow and affect the appearance of your lawn. Although you want your lawn to look like a green golf course, you’re only promoting weeds. The ideal height for grass growth depends on the type of lawn grass.  This can have a length of 2.5 to 7.5 cm. You may also need to remove dandelions or crabgrass first for mowing techniques to be effective for natural weed control.

7.   PLANT ROBUST PLANTS TIGHTLY

In a garden landscape, everything revolves around the “survival of the fittest”. Very often, the best way to get rid of weeds in a non-toxic and natural way is to grow robust, hardy plants. Plants with a bushy nature can block sunlight to prevent the growth of weeds. Or you can use dense planting techniques so that weeds don’t have room to germinate.

8.   Newspaper & Cardboard

Using newspaper or cardboard is an environmentally friendly way to kill weeds. You can apply a layer of newspaper to low-growing weeds such as crabgrass or clover as a DIY method of weed control. Newspaper is made of organic materials and cuts out light and eventually kills the weeds. You can also use newspaper or cardboard as safe and environmentally friendly landscape fabric. A word of caution: use only black and white newspapers without colors. The same applies to cardboard. Do not use cardboard that has been treated with chemicals.

9.   CORN GLUTEN FLOUR AS A NON-TOXIC WEED KILLER

Use corn gluten flour on lawns to prevent weeds from appearing and affecting their appearance. Corn gluten prevents weed seeds from rooting after germination. When used correctly, corn gluten flour can prevent crabgrass from taking over your beautiful lawn. The other advantage of corn gluten is that it contains nitrogen. This beneficial nutrient feeds your lawn to promote healthy growth.

Homemade Weed Killers are the way forward

If you know how to make and use homemade, natural weed killers, you can maintain an organic beautiful garden. Safe, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly weed killers eliminate the need to use potentially harmful chemicals. By using eco-friendly methods of weed control, the number of weeds in your garden can be significantly reduced while you’re doing your bit for the environment.