On the lawn, between the flowers of the flower bed or next to the vegetables, weeds impair the growth of cultivated plants. Weeds are just plants in the wrong place. In other circumstances, some are valuable, such as dandelions, nettles, or red valerian. However, in a well-kept garden, in addition to being unsightly, they compete with the cultivated species for space, light, water, and nutrients, which is why their control is necessary.
Ways to eliminate weeds
There are several systems: manual weeding or weeding is the best option to eliminate those that are born among other plants; digging is ideal when starting a new flowerbed or flowerbed; mulching is a preventive method, and herbicide spraying is the most appropriate when weeds have covered a large area.
The hoe, the fork, the scarifier, the binder, the rake, or the trowel are valid tools for manual weeding, practical when it comes to small areas. All the roots must be pulled out so that the plants do not grow back. Going over the ground once a month will be enough to prevent them from invading the terraces or massifs. To avoid damaging the cultivated plants, dig lightly, scratching 1 or 2 centimeters. It is best to do it in dry and sunny weather. The uprooted weeds can be thrown into the compost heap but, for species such as purslane, grass, or sedge, it is preferable to destroy them.
Weeds arising from seeds
In lawns, weeds arise from seeds carried by birds or the wind and, once they have germinated, they disperse. Lack of regular feeding, drought, compacting of the soil and very hasty and frequent mowing can help its development. If the herbs are very vigorous, it will be necessary to remove and replant the affected plates or areas. Raking before mowing and lifting creeping stems helps slow the spread of weeds. If they are already present, but not very widespread, they are removed with a manual pitchfork. Otherwise, selective herbicides must be used.
Eliminate weeds with fungicides
Eliminating weeds doesn’t just have an aesthetic sense. These plants compete with our crops for food, moisture, light, air, and space. Some can act as hosts for pests, viruses, and fungal diseases. They can reduce the harvest of slowly germinating and developing vegetables, such as onions and carrots. It is also important to bear in mind that they cause a poor yield of fruit trees and a delay in the development of all kinds of woody species.
