Weeds, perfectly adapted to a wide variety of living conditions, unfortunately thrive almost better in the garden than the carefully planted useful and ornamental plants. Chemicals are not good for the environment, which is why many hobby gardeners are reluctant to use these products. But it can also be done without chemicals, because there are a variety of environmentally friendly methods that work at least as well.
How to control weeds naturally?
To combat weeds naturally, you can pull weeds, use joint scrapers, use flame burners, use special sand, or lay weed fleece. Avoid chemicals and use environmentally friendly alternatives.
As simple as it is effective: weeding
You will need the following tools:
- Hand hoe,
- Garden claw,
- Grubber,
- Pendulum hoe
- Taproot cutter.
So that the herbs can be easily pulled out of the ground, the soil should be slightly moist. A day after a rainstorm is ideal. Alternatively, you can pull out the greenery immediately after watering. A hand hoe (€8.00 on Amazon) or garden claw is helpful. The soil is loosened, air reaches the roots and the wild plants can be easily removed.
A tool that is currently experiencing a revival in organic farming is the pendulum hoe. With this device you simply drive through the ground. Weeds are cut off, die and can remain in the bed as green manure.
The dandelion can be completely pry out with the tap root cutter. This way you can prevent the plants from sprouting again and again.
Joint scrapers, flame burners and special sand keep sidewalk joints free of weeds
The dandelion and other weeds are so undemanding that even the sparse substrate in the joints of the paving slabs is enough for them to sprout vigorously. The cracks can be kept free of weeds using a curved joint scraper or an old knife. If you then sweep heavily compacted special sand into the cracks, weeds will no longer be able to germinate.
Flaming devices are very practical. The heat destroys the cell structure of the plants, causing them to die. You can achieve the same effect with hot water, which is produced in the kitchen anyway.
Laying weed fleece
If you create a new bed, you can apply weed film. Ornamental or useful plants are placed in cross-shaped incisions and the film is covered with a layer of bark mulch, gravel or wood chips. The cover prevents photosynthesis and causes the weeds to die. Weed seeds lack the light that is important for germination, so they no longer sprout.
Tip
Some people swear by home remedies like s alt or vinegar. You should stay away from these, as their use is even prohibited by law on many surfaces. The substances they contain can accumulate in the soil and can no longer be broken down. This places a significant burden on the environment.
