Organic Weed Control

Who doesn't have weed problems? There are some things that can be done to prevent weed problems before they get overwhelming without resorting to typical yard chemicals.

Certain types of weeds can indicate problems with your soil which if corrected may eliminate or reduce those types of weeds. Visit http://oregonbd.org/Class/weeds.htm

Pre-emergent (prevents germination of seeds): corn gluten meal, sold under various brand names, has been shown to prevent seed germination as well as the chemical products sold for this purpose. Corn gluten meal should be applied in the cool of spring (when daffodils are blooming) and for even better control again in the cool of fall. It is safe and will add some nitrogen to your soil. Avoid using on newly seeded areas or just before seeding. It may be necessary to wait six weeks before planting seeds but plants can be planted at anytime.

When weeds are small scrape the soil with an action hoe, stirrup hoe, or Winged Weeder. This cuts the weeds off right at soil level ...»

either killing or weakening the weed. Many will not grow back. Unlike hoeing or tilling, this method also makes it less likely that you will be bringing buried weed seeds to the surface where they will begin to grow. For weeds that do grow back just cut them off again and again and many will die.

Organic weedkillers are available containing vinegar or soaps, and homemade weedkillers can be created by combining white vinegar with a small amount of essential oil of clove and dish soap. These weedkillers can kill plants on contact so avoid spraying desirable plants. They work best when applied on a sunny day at temperatures between 60 F and 85 F.

A newer weedkiller containing iron kills broadleaf weeds in lawns and works well on dandelions and other common non-grassy weeds. These weedkillers are rain safe in 3 hours which is another advantage over typical lawn weedkillers. Iron X from Gardens Alive! And EcoSense by Scotts are two that are available.

Do not let weeds go to seed. At the very least remove flowers or flower buds and dispose of them in the garbage.

Plant in raised beds to make weed control easier. See http://www.squarefootgardening.org

Mulch! Mulching with compost, bark, straw, or leaves adds organic matter to improve your soil and covers weeds and weed seeds which will kill some and prevent others from germinating. Compost on the lawn (just an inch) will improve soil and cover weed seeds to prevent some weed seeds from growing. Thicker layers of compost (3 – 4 inches) may kill covered weeds completely in flower and shrub beds. This works especially well when creating a new bed. For existing beds keep mulch at least 3 inches away from trunks of shrubs and trees.

Avoid leaving ground bare. Bare soil will be filled by nature if not by you. Get an area planted and/or mulched to avoid weeds from filling the spot. Groundcovers can fill areas between plants or large areas by themselves.

Plant the right plants in the right area to keep them healthier and so they can better compete with weeds. If a plant prefers sun, that is where it will do best.

Avoid or reduce tilling. Tilling can chop some weed roots into smaller pieces and spread them.

Most lawns should be mowed to 2 1/2 to 3 inches which helps the lawn compete better with weeds and will shade out weed seeds.

Weeders including the Weed Hound remove the weed along with the root and are easy to use even for older children.

17 Comments

Steve G Fort Collins, CO

Great tips. Hadn't heard about the winged weeder. Have to check that one out. Also, thanks for the reminder about corn gluten meal. Sounds like it should be going down right about now.

on Mar 20, 2012 · Like 1
Garden Inspire Bountiful, UT

Thanks! I grew up in Fort Collins

on Mar 20, 2012 · Like 0
Miriam I New York, NY

This is wonderful information. Thanks for posting!

on Mar 20, 2012 · Like 1
Steve G Fort Collins, CO

And you moved somewhere even more bountiful, I see (bet you've never heard that one before, right?).

on Mar 20, 2012 · Like 0
Garden Inspire Bountiful, UT

Steve, Actually I haven't

on Mar 20, 2012 · Like 0
Flowerscapes Garden Desig... Suwanee, GA

Cool spring? I hope here in Atlanta we did not miss the window since we went from late winter right into early summer.

on Mar 21, 2012 · Like 0
Douglas Hunt New Smyrna Beach, FL

Very valuable information. Thanks for sharing.

on Mar 21, 2012 · Like 0
JP S Marietta, GA

Great info-thank you!

on Mar 21, 2012 · Like 0
Garden Inspire Bountiful, UT

Flowerscapes Garden Design, If there is not a cool spring I would still use corn gluten meal.

on Mar 22, 2012 · Like 0
Aric V Tama, IA

thanks for the info

on Mar 31, 2012 · Like 0
Dee W Rock Creek, OH

corn gluten meal? Where do i buy this and you just spread it like grass seed or Preen?

on Jun 01, 2012 · Like 0
Garden Inspire Bountiful, UT

You spread it like grass seed or lawn fertilizer or Preen. There are various brands available at garden centers and online - Concern, Gardens Alive (http://www.gardensalive.com/) and one under the Preen label (check the ingredients - it is usually labeled as for Vegetable Gardens although it can be used anywhere you won't be planting seeds)

on Jun 01, 2012 · Like 0
Dee W Rock Creek, OH

Thank-you for the information.

on Jun 02, 2012 · Like 0
Jean M Valdosta, GA

whats a good way to get rid of grass?...I have a terrible grass in an area of my yard where I want to start a flower/plant garden, and the grass is hard to kill and it's root system is terrible to get rid of, any suggestions?

on Jun 09, 2012 · Like 0
Dee W Rock Creek, OH

If it was me I would soak the area real well and the next day get out there with a shovel and lift the sod up and out. It will be hard work but when I did it after awhile, I could just roll it up as I went along. Then rake the area thoroughly to loosen the soil and even it out. This is a good time to add compost or manure/peat mix. Go ahead with your plantings and be sure to mulch it well. You should be good to go-hope this helps.

on Jun 09, 2012 · Like 0
Garden Inspire Bountiful, UT

You could rent a sod cutter or if it is a small area use a shovel as Dee suggested. I have used a linoleum knife to remove sod. Another thing I have done is mow the lawn very short. place at least 4 inches of compost on top, and plant. This has worked great for me but it was with a Kentucky Bluegrass/fescue lawn. I don't know if it would work with all grasses. Be sure to put some type of barrier such as an edging material that will go as deep as possible (the most I have found is just ...»
over 5") to prevent grass from growing into that area in the future.

on Jun 09, 2012 · Like 0
Douglas Hunt New Smyrna Beach, FL

If you have time, mow it short, place a layer of cardboard or thick layer of newspaper over that, then cover that with a thick layer of compost or mulch. In a few months you'll be able to turn whole thing under and have some great soil in which to plant.

on Jun 10, 2012 · Like 0

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