The bane of any gardener’s existence remains to be pesky weeds that seem to grow fast and thick no matter what you do. While it’s difficult to completely eliminate weeds without damaging other plants, shrubs, and organic elements of your landscaping motif, there are steps you can take to lessen the impact of this undesirable growth.

As more homeowners are shying away from pesticides that can harm pets and loved ones, alternative methods are in high demand. Use this advice to prevent weeds from taking over your garden:

Perform Scheduled Maintenance

Due diligence remains the foremost method to keep pesky weeds from suffocating the foliage in your garden. The first season of weed removal is often the worst. However, regular maintenance soon makes the task more manageable.

Many gardeners choose to create a weeding schedule. For some, it’s two or three times a week. Take advantage of the rain by scheduling a weeding session while the ground is still wet. This will make pulling weeds easier. When weeds are merely sliced, they quickly grow back. Dry soil can make it difficult to pull out the entire weed. However, wet soil is ideal for easily and efficiently removing the entire weed root — eliminating the possibility of future growth.

It’s wise to remember that a qualified and professional landscaping team can also assist in keeping weeds under control.

Practice Prevention

Once you have a handle on garden weeds, prevention is the next logical step. There are many ways to discourage future weed growth.

One such option is to layer the soil with newspaper and then add mulch. Plants will still grow unhindered, however, weeds will be unable to penetrate the paper. Over time, the newspaper will naturally decompose.

Proper placement of mulch is essential to retaining the beauty and function of any landscaping arrangement. Along with deterring weeds by eliminating their light source, mulch helps keeps plant soil cool and moist. In addition, mulch attracts helpful insects such as crickets and beetles, both of which feast on weed seeds.

Plant placement is another factor in weed growth. By planting closer together, you deprive weeds of the space and light they need to survive. While you naturally don’t want plants to overlap, it’s best to choose placement that will result in leaves barely touching once plants reach their mature size.

Put Weeds to Good Use

While unwelcome in your garden, weeds can provide big benefit once pulled. This organic material can be used to nourish existing foliage in your landscaping layout.

Composted weeds require high heat to ensure seeds are thoroughly killed. While to the naked eye, the weed itself may appear dry and wilted once pulled, if the seeds are intact, they’ll simply grow again if placed back in your garden.

To ensure proper heat and roasted weeds, keep your compost heap in an area where it receives direct sunlight. Make sure to regularly stir the heap. By taking advantage of the Florida sun, you effectively turn a negative into a positive by using dead weeds to feed your garden.

Enlist Assistance

When time or desire is in short supply, it’s wise to reach out for help in your weed control endeavor. With more than a decade of landscaping design, installation, and maintenance, we’ve had the pleasure of transforming countless Central Florida properties into personalized retreats.

From lawn and garden care (including weeding) to seasonal cleanup, tree and palm trimming, and much more, our friendly and qualified staff members know what it takes to make Volusia County and Flagler County homes look the very best they can be.

Contact us for a free consultation and begin your property enhancement solution journey today.