How to
Prevent Weeds
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Fighting weeds is a constant
battle during the growing
season. The key is to get
them under control and then
prevent them from returning.
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Steps: |
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1. |
Dig, chop, hoe or remove any
weeds that have invaded your
garden. You need to start
with a clean slate in the
war against weeds. |
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2. |
Place a thick layer of mulch
over the clean soil. Mulch
can be anything that covers
the surface of the soil,
including ground bark,
newspaper, leaves, rocks or
even old carpet. It prevents
weeds from germinating by
shading the soil and keeping
it cool. A 3- to
4-inch-thick layer will
prevent all but the most
noxious weeds from growing.
(Image 2) |
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3. |
Encourage shrubs to grow to
full size by fertilizing
during the growing season.
Shrubs will shade the
surface of the soil and
choke weeds before they
become established.
(Image 3) |
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4. |
Use fast-growing ground
covers such as vinca or
hypericum to choke weeds out
of existence. Once the
surface of the soil is
covered with foliage, the
weeds won't have anywhere to
grow. |
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5. |
Pull stray weeds as they
appear, and never allow them
to go to seed in your
garden. |
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click photos to enlarge
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Tips: |
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Use a thick layer of mulch
around new plantings until
shrubs and ground covers
become well-established.
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Warnings:
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Always start out with the
least toxic method of weed
control. |
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There are chemicals, called
pre-emergents, that control
weeds before they grow. Use
pre-emergent herbicides only
after the soil is cleared of
weeds. |
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If you do use chemicals for
weed control, wear
protective clothing,
including a long-sleeved
shirt and pants, neoprene
gloves, a respirator and
goggles. |
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;)
;)
;)