Owners of private garden plots are increasingly becoming disillusioned with herbicides.
These products often not only destroy all plants, including cultivated ones, but also poison the soil to such an extent that nothing grows on it for several years.
But the most annoying thing is that herbicides are not able to kill all the weeds, so the most resilient of them populate the deserted area with double force. But is there a way to get rid of unwanted vegetation on the site without resorting to such serious preparations? Yes, and there are many ways. This article presents those that summer residents use most often.
Method one: cardboard
Cover the area that needs to be cleared of weeds with cardboard. The grass underneath will die, and the cardboard itself will decompose under natural processes.
But remember:
1. Once the cardboard starts to decompose, the toughest weeds will start to grow through it. So it's best to lay it in several layers at once or add a second layer later.
2. Cardboard (usually unnecessary boxes are used) must first be cleaned of non-degradable materials (scotch tape, laminated stickers).
The good thing about cardboard is that you can make holes in it, loosen a small square of soil, and then plant zucchini, pumpkin, tomato, or another above-ground plant (it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to grow root crops this way).
Method two: black film
It works the same way as cardboard. But it is advisable to throw grass, leaves on top of it or lay out boards, logs and other objects. This is necessary so that the grass does not lift the film in attempts to germinate.
You can make holes in the film, just like in cardboard, and grow plants.
For example, it is often practiced to grow strawberries this way. This not only protects the plantation from weeds, but also allows you to keep the berries clean.
Method three: ash
Make a strong infusion of ash in water and spray it on weeds. Take 5 liters of ash per 7-10 liters of water, leave it for 3 days, then drain and strain the settled water. Spray it on plants. The alkaline solution will burn young shoots of weeds. But unlike herbicides, there will be no harm to the soil, humans or insects.
Method four: urea
Dilute 500 g of urea in 3 liters of water and spray the weeds. Urea will burn the leaves. Young plants will die immediately. To destroy perennial plants, several treatments will be required, but it is safer than herbicides. Even if nitrogen gets into the soil, it will be partially washed out with rain, and the rest will be used by crops.
Important: weeds should be sprayed on the leaves, not watered into the soil.
Use these tips to get rid of weeds without herbicides.
