People fortunate enough to have a garden space know their fertile plot will also be a magnet for weeds. They are some of the most successful plants on earth, adapting to any space with enough sunshine and nutrients. Although they are unwelcome in most plots, the hazards associated with chemical pesticides leaves many gardeners wondering what to use to kill weeds in a less toxic fashion.
There is less social pressure today to grow and maintain an idealized lawn, but widespread use of chemical-based garden and lawn-care formulas is still a factor. Little debate exists regarding their efficiency and effectiveness, and they kill by using various biocides. While convenient, the primary problem is their link to serious health issues such as cancer, a common result of long-term exposure.
That concern has sparked interest in weeding methods that are less toxic, but still effective. Landscape specialists already know that installing decorative plants that grow naturally in the local ecosystem is one way to create a healthier display that attracts fewer insect pests. Plants that do spring up can be controlled more easily, often without resorting to chemical warfare.
The safest way of eliminating weeds is not only old-fashioned, but manual. While it is true that using commercially prepared herbicides can save considerable time spent weeding by hand, the main issue is the collateral damage that can occur to other living things. Herbicides that are sprayed may be difficult to control or limit. Individually culling weeds may be tedious, but it does not endanger pets.
Many home gardeners cannot weed daily, and seek a faster process. One of the least environmentally dangerous is the use of boiling water, which should only be attempted by adults. Being doused in hot liquid has the same effect on plants as does on any other creature, and control areas formerly rife with overgrowth often show results in a matter of hours, not weeks.
Boiling water can be augmented with vinegar, which contains acetic acid, a naturally powerful herbicide that does not harm animals or children. Inexpensive pickling vinegar contains a substantial amount acid, and works best when added to water in equal quantities. There is absolutely no long-term toxicity, but while it does the job well, some hardier plants are more difficult to eliminate.
Areas meant for new construction or other purposes respond well to a solution that also includes salt. It is a powerful plant killer, but stays active for years, and changes the makeup of soil. If new sod is being installed, it is better to include salt in a solution of boiling water and vinegar, and administer it by hand. It can be used as an effective method eliminating individual sprouts.
Borax can be sprinkled in powder form, destroying hardy growth before the roots can become established. Vodka may be helpful when added to the water and vinegar mixture, because it causes dehydration and ultimately death. Commercial weedkillers are currently being marketed that claim to be organically produced, but using them is a choice that should be carefully considered.
There is less social pressure today to grow and maintain an idealized lawn, but widespread use of chemical-based garden and lawn-care formulas is still a factor. Little debate exists regarding their efficiency and effectiveness, and they kill by using various biocides. While convenient, the primary problem is their link to serious health issues such as cancer, a common result of long-term exposure.
That concern has sparked interest in weeding methods that are less toxic, but still effective. Landscape specialists already know that installing decorative plants that grow naturally in the local ecosystem is one way to create a healthier display that attracts fewer insect pests. Plants that do spring up can be controlled more easily, often without resorting to chemical warfare.
The safest way of eliminating weeds is not only old-fashioned, but manual. While it is true that using commercially prepared herbicides can save considerable time spent weeding by hand, the main issue is the collateral damage that can occur to other living things. Herbicides that are sprayed may be difficult to control or limit. Individually culling weeds may be tedious, but it does not endanger pets.
Many home gardeners cannot weed daily, and seek a faster process. One of the least environmentally dangerous is the use of boiling water, which should only be attempted by adults. Being doused in hot liquid has the same effect on plants as does on any other creature, and control areas formerly rife with overgrowth often show results in a matter of hours, not weeks.
Boiling water can be augmented with vinegar, which contains acetic acid, a naturally powerful herbicide that does not harm animals or children. Inexpensive pickling vinegar contains a substantial amount acid, and works best when added to water in equal quantities. There is absolutely no long-term toxicity, but while it does the job well, some hardier plants are more difficult to eliminate.
Areas meant for new construction or other purposes respond well to a solution that also includes salt. It is a powerful plant killer, but stays active for years, and changes the makeup of soil. If new sod is being installed, it is better to include salt in a solution of boiling water and vinegar, and administer it by hand. It can be used as an effective method eliminating individual sprouts.
Borax can be sprinkled in powder form, destroying hardy growth before the roots can become established. Vodka may be helpful when added to the water and vinegar mixture, because it causes dehydration and ultimately death. Commercial weedkillers are currently being marketed that claim to be organically produced, but using them is a choice that should be carefully considered.
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