Weeds are a part of a gardener’s life. As organic gardeners, we have made the decision to get rid of weeds without chemicals. While more challenging than just zapping them with poison, there are ways that you can control weeds, and enjoy a successful garden.
There are three things you must do to organically control weeds: recognizing what kinds of weeds are growing in your garden, learning about their life-cycle and learning the best way to control them.
One of the most easily recognizable and also most common weed is the dandelion. These are the classic lawn weed with the bright yellow flower and dark green leaves. Dandelions are perennials which makes them slightly more difficult to control. The best way to control dandelions is by yanking them out by hand. The most important thing to remember is that you have to get the entire root of the weed, as they can grow again from any root pieces that you’ve missed.
Bindweed is what many consider to be a big green monster of a weed. It is a vining plant that grows across the ground and wraps its way around and over fences, plants or anything else in it’s path. It has medium green arrow shaped leaves and pink flowers that look a little like morning glories. Bindweed grows from seed and from roots. The best way to control bindweed is to cut it off at soil level. Don’t even try to get it at the root because you won’t be able to. Just keep cutting it back to soil and eventually, because the plant will not be able to photosynthesize, it will die.
Plantain is common in North America and Canada and can be identified by medium-green oval shaped leaves. In late spring, flower spikes grow that have tiny flower buds along the lengths. They are perennials. The best way to get rid of plantains is to dig them up by the root.
The important thing to control weeds in an organic garden is to know what weed you’re dealing with. Knowledge is power!
