Your garden is flourishing, the plants are growing tall and strong, and your lawn has never been so lush. Unfortunately, the weeds seem to be thriving as well.
Unlike potted plants and seeds, weeds are resilient and suited to harsh conditions caused by intense heat and dry soil. Taking the time to tackle your weeds early on prevents a full-on infestation in the future.
Courtesy of the landscaping experts at Countryside Landscapes and Garden Centre, here are the top ways to prevent weeds:
Don’t Disturb the Soil
Weed seeds can lie dormant in your soil for years, as their growth is only triggered by germination. This usually occurs as a result of light exposure that’s caused by digging and cultivation. When you disturb soil beyond two inches deep, you bring hidden seeds to the surface and encourage them to grow. Prevent this by only digging and harrowing your garden when absolutely necessary. If you do need to dig, try using a sharp-edged tool to minimize the disturbance beyond the intended area.
Target Your Watering Efforts
Irrigation systems have made watering lawns and gardens much easier, but have they been helping weeds to grow, too? Chances are if your irrigation spans a wide area, it’s providing the optimal environment for weeds to grow by giving it an extra boost of moisture. This is mitigated by using drip irrigation or watering your plants by hand. In doing so, you will reduce the amount of water weeds are getting, thereby inhibiting their growth by up to 70%.
Invest in Mulch
Mulch is an essential component for every well-maintained garden. It contributes to the soil’s natural health by providing nutrients while preventing weed growth by reducing their exposure to sunlight. Essentially acting as a barrier, mulch also decreases the effects of erosion and controls certain pests. Mulching is best completed in the early to late spring, with one to two inches being sufficient in reducing weeds.
Grow Plants in Close Proximity
It’s common for weeds to call open, sunny spaces between plants home. By placing plants in close proximity to one another, you reduce the amount of space and light required for weeds to grow. When clustering plants, try to group them according to their water requirements. This will make watering them much easier and is a concept often used in water-efficient landscaping.
Alternatively, if you don’t wish to plant additional shrubs and flowers, considering introducing a ground cover. This will have the same effect as growing plants in close proximity and adds a lush aesthetic to your garden. Common varieties include lamiums, sedums, and low growing junipers.
Countryside Landscapes and Garden Centre is dedicated to providing you with landscaping services that transform the appearance of your yard. We help you throughout the planning and design processes to execute an installation you’ll enjoy all year round. To learn more about our garden centre and landscaping services, call 403-938-1835 today!
