Eco-Friendly Ways to Manage Weeds

With summer in effect and lockdown still in place; it is arguable that there has never been a better time to get out in the garden and make it a location you can enjoy and relax in. What this looks like, could vary from person-to-person (I enjoy a more natural garden). However, after a busy year and healthy doses of rain and sunshine; you could find yourself with a whole load of weeds that need dealing with. All these chemical and herbicide solutions to weed control are a more recent development, they are usually not good for the land and are toxic to children and wildlife and should absolutely be avoided. Fortunately, there are eco-friendly ways to manage those pesky weeds.

Before We Begin

We’re taught from a young age that weeds are bad. This simply is not true. When I say I prefer a more natural garden, I mean just this, and I personally think weeds are a healthy part of this.

What many don’t realise is that naturally occurring vegetation plays a significant part in ensuring that soil is rich; not only that, but weeds are critical in protecting the earth from sunlight and helping important bug and micro-life to prosper. All of which is vital to the overall eco-system.

Not only this, but some weeds like Dandelions are especially favoured by the ever-dwindling bee population; so, when managing overgrown naturally occurring vegetation, it is important to be mindful of the repercussions. It is much better to manage, than to kill entirely.

My advice is to keep your space safe for yourself, children and pets but help enable a healthy ecosystem in your garden. Only remove weeds if absolutely necessary.

Boiling Water

I mention this, as it is eco-friendly but it’s not an approach that I like at all. It’s a method that goes way back but I worry it isn’t practical or safe and there is always the risk of an accident plus, it’s not applied as delicately as other methods; so I worry about the effect on bugs and insects in the area.

Salt

Ok, so… salting the earth is a thing with an awfully specific meaning. I know. However, salt water is a natural and effective way of removing weeds that is much healthier than chemical solutions. The problem with this approach is that it will stop anything from growing, No weeds, grass, plants, nothing.

The only place I would recommend using salt personally, is patios, pavements, and such. If nettles are a problem in these areas; salt can be a good means of keeping walkways accessible and using the saltwater solution will not have as much of an effect on your garden’s ecosystem as it would on the grassy parts.

Vinegar/Lemon Juice

Vinegar and lemon juice are pretty powerful options. The trick to getting them to work as efficiently possible is to go for the roots. The results aren’t instant, but it is a tried and tested solution that’s generations old.

Go for the Root of the Problem

Once, you have taken one of the above solutions, you’d need to give it a day or two and then put in a bit of manual work. The idea is to remove the weeds at the root level. This approach can be done without any of the above and you can even relocate the weeds if you wish. The methods listed will make this easier but it’s a case of taking the approach that works for you.

Finally

If de-weeding is not something you have time for, and you need the garden to be child and pet friendly as soon as possible; hired help is always an option. Just be sure to make clear that you want it done eco-friendly and if you want some weeds trimmed back but not removed, to communicate this clearly to avoid upset. As not all professionals will know to do things this way.