Natural Weed Control

Did Someone Say Natural Weed Control?

Although considered natural, many weed control methods are also considered inorganic. These include different mulch types, homemade weed killer and the old fashioned manual method of weed extermination.

Outline - Inorganic and Organic Herbicides

Outline - All Methods of Garden Weed Control

Marketing techniques imply if we have any kind of weed on our property embarrassment will have us running to the store for for weed control products. I bring lawn care up because it seems those same weeds end up in my butterfly garden.

Some people will tell you soil maintenance is important and complete pH balance is necessary for those perfect lawns. Others in favor of more natural methods of weed control argue that perfect, flawless lawns are less healthy than well aerated lawns which allow for weed growth.

Depending on the weed, most usually thrive above or below the pH range of 6.5 and 7.0. This means that if your soil is between these two numbers it is less likely you'll have an out of control weed population.

Soil below 6.0 is too acidic and needs lime to create necessary alkaline. Soil above 7.5 has greater alkaline and needs sulfur to make it more acidic. See soil testing methods for more information.

Most of us use a combination of different weed control methods using chemical herbicides or taking a more organic route. It is important to note, however, just because a product says organic doesn't mean it's harmless.

Commercial uses for organic herbicides has been in effect for years. For example, farmers rotate crops and herbicides in order to keep soil healthy and in balance and get a good quality of food on our tables.

Whether used for agriculture or forestry the goal is safety for livestock, wild animals and humans. But many of these professionals will note that when dealing with organic herbicides it is necessary to have a solid understanding of seasons too.

Understanding commercial herbicide from past years is one reason gardeners today are opting for more natural weed control methods.

Other reasons include:

Excessive use of toxins can be harmful, and even removing completely beneficial organisms in our soil that help with natures balance.
Our gardens require needed insects, along with invasive ones.
Toxins can be harmful to us, our pets and families.
Toxins in our vegetable garden can seep into our food.

The more we can entice butterflies to our gardens makes controlling garden weeds naturally a preferred alternative.

Natural weed control methods include: