Nobody wants weeds in their garden, but knowing exactly when to unleash herbicidal fury upon the pesky intruders can be tricky. Here, a gardening expert shares some great advice to keep on top of the age-old problem
That neverending battle against the weeds is a classic struggle for every gardener up and down the country.
As the gentle hum of lawnmowers and the fragrance of freshly cut grass fills the air, there comes a pivotal moment in every gardener’s calendar – the strategic deployment of weedkiller. But timing is everything in this botanical warfare. So pop away those gardening gloves as we unearth the secrets of exactly when to unleash herbicidal fury upon those pesky intruders.
And helping us in our quest is gardening expert Lee Smith at Composite Warehouse, who shared some great advice if weeds are taking over your garden space:
When to apply weed killer
The best time to apply weed killer is late spring/early summer when weeds are likely to be in their growth phase. During this time, they are more susceptible to herbicides. Spraying weed killers before this time is futile because weeds are likely to be dormant. They can only absorb herbicides when they are in an active growing stage.
The best conditions for weed control
Spring is the best time to apply weed killer because of the warm weather and moisture in the air, which creates optimal conditions for weeds to absorb herbicides. New shoots and leaves mean that weeds are actively growing, so you know it’s the right time to apply weed killer.
Dos and don’ts of killing weeds
Weed killer should be applied on a calm day to prevent the wind from blowing the herbicide onto other plants and grass. A spraying tool should be used for even distribution, but ensure it covers the entire surface of the weed. Pets and children should also be kept away for 24 hours after spraying weeds to avoid harm to them.
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Prevention tactics for weed growth
Prevention is the best cure, so apply a thick layer of mulch to stop weeds from germinating and growing. Regular maintenance of your garden beds and removing weeds before they seed will also help. Dense and ground-covering plants like geraniums can outcompete weeds and provide a nice look and feel to your outside space.
Safety best practice for weed killing
Pets and children should be kept away from any treated areas for at least 24 hours. If this isn’t possible, you may want to use pet-friendly weed control methods or keep certain areas free from weed killers to ensure they remain unharmed. The best natural way to remove weeds is by hand or by suppressing the sunlight source to the weeds which is why mulch and ground-covering plants are so helpful.
With this guidance, your battle with weeds just got a whole lot easier. Say goodbye to pesky invasions and hello to a brighter and thriving outdoor space.
