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You can win the war against weeds in your garden by following a few simple tips. The first step is to provide adequate nutrition. Few soil conditions naturally offer the proper nutrients for successful plant growth. That's why fertilizing is so important.
Keep in mind, however, that not all plants use the same fertilizer. For example, flowers need a fertilizer that is high in phosphate, while vegetables need a well-balanced product. A simple vegetable fertilizer used in your garden, such as a 5-10-5, will help to produce an abundant crop. The second step is prevention. Unless you want to spend the rest of the summer pulling weeds, act early to prevent them. A pre-emergent granular herbicide, which actually prevents weeds from germinating. No weeds means no weeding and a lot more free time for you. Even better, with no weeds competing for moisture, nutrients, sunlight and space, your plants will grow larger and more vigorous.
Simply shake the fertilizing granules into the soil and water thoroughly to enjoy a weed-free garden for up to three months. To save time, apply an herbicide that's combined with a fertilizer, so that you can add valuable nutrients into the soil while you're preventing weeds. This fertilizer helps ensure abundant blooms, strong root development and improved vigor.
In combination with mulch, some people choose to put down a barrier, like plastic, over the ground to further prevent weeds. Keep in mind, however, that weed seeds from other areas of the yard may still blow onto the barrier and start a new crop of weeds. For maximum protection, consider applying a weed preventer over the barrier.
The last tip involves something not found in a store - patience. Take care of your plants and realize that no amount of fertilizer or watering will make them grow overnight. On the average, flowering plants will bloom from seven to 14 days. Likewise, vegetable plants require a fair amount of time before you will begin to see results. (Based on Net resources) Published on 5th June 2002
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Every spring gardeners of all levels vow to have a beautiful garden that is free of weeds. Yet, after a few weeks, the constant vigilance and manual pulling of weeds gets old. And as a result, flower and vegetable beds become overtaken by weeds.
The best weed prevention programs start early in the season before the first weed is seen. Long-lasting weed preventers may be applied to beds up to 10 weeks before the recommended planting season. As a result, seeds and transplants are planted into weed-free beds. And the majority of your garden preparation can be accomplished during cooler weather.
Another way to minimize weeds is to add mulch around your flowerbed. Mulch has a two-tiered effect. First, it holds moisture for your plants, and second, it smothers weeds and hinders their growth. Since mulch usually contains many weed seeds, however, consider applying a preventer on top of the mulch and water in. Many people apply the herbicide first. In reality, however, a mulch program is more effective and saves valuable time and energy.
Regular watering is the most important thing you can do. Plants have a tendency to dry up without water and may show signs of moisture stress. The first sign that they need attention is an overall drooping of the leaves. With the exception of rainy days, gardens and flowerbeds should be watered every day if possible, especially if the temperature rises above 80 degrees or the area receives a lot of sun. Rain gauges are an inexpensive and indispensable product for your garden. They display the amount of precipitation, which is an indication of the water received by your plants. Plants typically need a minimum of a quarter inch each day.
