Weeds are a real headache for every gardener. Not only do they spoil aesthetic appearance, they also deprive cultural nutrients, water and light from cultural plants, thus reducing yield and weakening plants.
Fortunately, there are various ways to effectively protect their unwanted guests.
Mechanical ways of killing weeds
It is one of the oldest and most commonly used ways. It includes physical removal of weed by hand or using a variety of tools:
- Manual weeding: An effective way to kill single weeds, especially for young weeds. It is important to remove not only the ground part, but also the roots so that the weed does not grow.
- Chopping and shaving: Using a cap or a razor can be cut by larger weeds or damage their root system. This method needs to be repeated as many weeds can grow.
- Mulch: It is one of the most effective preventive methods. When organic (straw, sawdust, compost, bark mulch) or inorganic (film, agrofille), the mulch layer is blocked around the cultivated plants, and the light is needed for weed germination. Mulch also helps to retain moisture in the soil and regulate the temperature.
Agrotechnical measures against weeds
Proper tillage and crop rotation practice can also help reduce the spread of weeds:
- Proper soil preparation: Before sowing or planting, carefully prepare the soil by removing all the existing weeds and their roots.
- Crops: Each year, changing the places of cultivated crops can prevent the domination of certain types of weeds. Different cultures compete with different weeds.
- Dense sowing: Densely sown crops cover the soil surface faster and prevent weeds from germinating and growing.
- Planting healthy and strong sprouts: Strong cultural plants compete better with weeds for nutrients and light.
Weeds and their destruction: biological control methods
These are natural ways that use living organisms to kill or stop their growth:
- Useful insects and ticks: Some types of insects and ticks feed on certain weeds. However, this method requires specific knowledge and is often applied to large farms.
- Competing plants: Certain plants, such as siderates (green fertilizers), can be sown between rows or after harvest to take the place and prevent weeds from germinating.
Weeds and their destruction: Chemical destruction methods (herbicides)
It is a quick and effective way to kill large areas of weeds. However, you need to be very careful and follow the instructions so as not to harm the cultural plants and the environment:
- Systemic herbicides: Penetrates inside the plant and destroys the entire weed, including roots.
- Contact Herbicides: It only works on the terrestrial part of the weed, with which it contact directly.
- Selective herbicides: Only certain types of weeds are affected, without damaging cultural plants.
- Uncleic herbicides: It destroys all vegetation and should be used with great care to protect cultural plants.
It is important to remember
The most effective protection against weeds is often an integrated combination of methods. By combining mechanical, agrotechnical and, if necessary, biological or chemical techniques, you can create a healthy and productive garden without much weed hassle.
Regular care and early reaction if you notice the first signs of weed germination will help keep your garden clean and lush.
Photos associative © canva
Source: https://www.bc.ua/
Hi, I’m a Kamil, Hitas.lt author. The passion for cooking, home coziness and personal well -being inspires me to share discoveries – recipes and tips on love for myself – with you, dear readers.
