Gardening is one of the oldest forms of human activity — a tradition that has existed in almost all cultures throughout human existence. It has been proven to improve the state of mind and spirit, to stimulate the imagination, and to bring people together. It’s a great hobby that can become a second career or a source of fresh vegetables and herbs for your dinner table. But even the most well-organized gardens can be overrun by weeds. In most cases, weeds are the result of poor gardening practices and not enough attention paid to control them. But if you want to keep your garden in perfect shape, you’ll need to learn how to control weeds and prevent them from coming back. Here are some simple tips that will help you keep your flower beds looking great all year long!
3 Ways to Prevent Weeds and Grass in Flower Beds
It’s not easy to keep grass and other unwanted plants out of the flower beds in your yard. The problem is that these plants tend to be opportunists, finding their way into places where they’re not wanted. Once established, they’re tough to get rid of, too. But there are solutions to this problem (including non-toxic ones). Here’s a look at some options:
1. Chemical Solutions:
Weeds and grasses have quite a few things going for them — above all, energy from the sun that lets them grow vigorously. Herbicides like Roundup or Ortho Groundclear, with their powerful chemical ingredients, can theoretically kill weeds and grasses. These chemicals inhibit the natural chemistry of the plants and cells of their foliage and leaves. This results in the plant’s death. But be reminded that these chemicals though effective, are toxic. They can be harmful to all the neighboring plants, flowerbeds, and even animals. So, you really don’t want to overdo it.
2. Hardscaping:
Hardscape borders are a great way to prevent weeds and grasses from encroaching on the flower beds that you’ve spent so much time cultivating. It’s also an effective way to create a sharp distinction between what you want to keep and what you want to get rid of. Hardscaping is the implementation of hard materials like brick, stone, and concrete to surround your garden. These materials create a physical barrier that will keep out the unwanted plants while letting the desired plants flourish and bring your landscape to life. Moreover, with hardscaping, you don’t have to limit your creative impulses to one type of material; you may use any combination of them. For instance, you could use terra-cotta tiles, pavers, and concrete to create a pathway that snakes through your flower beds. This pathway can be used to delineate the border between grass and flower bed and also to divide the plants within that bed. Essentially, hardscaping allows you to design your garden according to your vision while making it easier to maintain.
3. The Moat Approach
One of the most effective ways to prevent weeds and grasses from growing in your flower beds is to use a moat approach. Moats are elevated areas that surround the flower beds that will prevent unwanted plants from growing. The moats can be created using stones or pavers and can be styled in a variety of ways that will add aesthetic value to your garden. For example, you could create a raised stone bed as an outer boundary. This wall can be decorated with beautiful plants and flowers that add color and vibrancy to your garden. Aesthetics aside, moats will prevent grass, weeds, and other unwanted plants from getting into your garden.
Conclusion
As we saw, preventing weeds and grasses from growing in your flower beds is more difficult than just planting a flower bed. Although certain plants are easier to take care of than others, they still need to be nurtured and looked after. But if the thought of constantly weeding your garden is too much, it’s time to change your approach. Try one of these three methods now to begin your journey to a beautiful garden.
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