lundi 12 janvier 2015

What To Use To Kill Weeds Safely Without Herbicides

By Enid Hinton


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.

Pulling plants manually may be old-fashioned, but remains the safest way to keep weeds at bay. Many gardeners with larger plots to control use commercially sold herbicides, which do cut down on maintenance. The problem is that some of those substances also kill adjacent plants, and are harder to contain within a specific boundary. Hand-pulling takes effort, but does not endanger the family dog.

Many seasonal gardeners seek a faster method of control. The use of boiling water causes no environmental damage, but should not be a responsibility given to most children. Dousing a plant in scalding water kills it instantly, and in some cases penetrates to root systems. Areas infested with unwanted growth show signs of clearing within hours, not days.

Many gardeners strengthen that method by adding vinegar, which increases the herbicidal effects of naturally occurring acetic acids. Common pickling vinegar is not only inexpensive, but contains the greatest amount of that substance, and should be added to water in equal parts. There is no residual danger to pets or children, but not all hardy flora are easy to kill.

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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