subject: Summer gardening tips on weeding [print this page] Summer gardening tips on weeding Summer gardening tips on weeding
Ahhh, the warm months have finally arrived. Great times are to be had in the backyard with barbeques, family fun time, star gazing and more. Time to spruce up the grass, plant beds, shrubs, etc. As much fun as working in the garden can be, weeding is usually the most challenging and least favourite task. It can be physically exhausting but there are ways to simplify how you weed.
Removing weeds from walkways, patios and driveway
It never fails. Weeds always seem to find a way to grow between the cracks. In the past, it was easy to use pesticides to kill them, but that option is no longer available due to government legislation. For some, the thought of getting down on hands and knees, scraping away with a knife to get rid of weeds is not the most comfortable way to eradicate them.
I've found the easiest and most cost-effective way to deal with weeds is with boiling water. Simply boil water in your kettle, pour it over the weed, and depending on the size, the weed will literally wither and dry up in hours, or at the worst, a few days. Pick up the dead foliage, throw it your compost bin and you're done.
Note that this method also works with getting rid of weeds on your lawn, but the water can also kill the grass so be sure you isolate the area when using this technique.
Removing dandelions on the lawn
If you have bought a home where the lawn has not been maintained, you'll most likely have dandelions - and a lot of them. Again the pesticide option cannot be used, but I found my own way to get rid of them. I soak the area, making sure the ground becomes fully saturated, then I take a sharp spade and dig into the ground just behind the dandelion, and with a little leverage, I can easily pull it out.
This technique can be used for dandelions that have been in the ground for three or four years
even those with a diameter of 4-6 inches and a tap root of approximately 12 inches or more.
The best news is when you use this method, the dandelions don't come back. You may get the occasional one, but they will be easy to stay on top of. Believe me, if you saw my lawn, your doubts would be answered.
Care of your hands
One thing that's challenging with any gardening endeavor (or any greasy job or painting job) is keeping your hands clean before and after you work, especially if you don't wear protective gloves.
I suggest covering your hands, including under the nails, with hand cream. When your job is complete, apply another light application of the cream, working well into all the crevices, then wash your hands with soap and water. You won't need a nail brush, the dirt will come off that easily.
I hope these quick gardening tips will help you easily manage the weeds around your home, keep your hands in good order, and set you up for a season of fun and laughter, sharing your garden with family and friends.
