Weeding
Weed control is also very important. Due to the warmer weather and increased watering, weeds can quickly get out of control. By watering deeply, and aggressively pulling weeds, they can be abated before they have a chance to flower and go to seed again. To cut down on hand weeding, don’t forget to mulch around your plants (covered in the June Grapevine ).
Other things to do around this time
- Stake tomato plants.
- Remove all but two runners on strawberry plants.
- Remove suckers and old canes from blackberries and raspberries as they appear.
- Harvest the berries when they fall off easily.
Using Chemical Weed Control
Very simple, try not to.
Pesticides have been proven to have negative impacts on our health and environment. They are bad for insects which is the foundation of a healthy ecosystem. They can pollute waterways, killing fish and other wildlife. They cause fruits and vegetables to have less vitamins and micronutrients, and in some cases diminish the taste, and they cause cancer and other diseases in humans, for example, the risk of leukemia increases 4-7 times for children, ages 10 and under, if they are constantly around garden pesticides.
The same effectiveness of pesticides can be found by using many herbs, essential oils and household chemicals.
Safe Alternative to Chemicals
Using hot water is a safe and efficient way to rid your garden of weeds
Just bring water to a boil, and then pour it over the plant while targeting the root.
Another method of weed killing that also works as a natural fungicide and insecticide is hydrogen peroxide. By putting 1 0z - 3% of hydrogen peroxide in 1 quart of water, then pouring on the plant of interest, you’re weeds; pest and insect problems will be a thing of the past. No more worrying about them and no more harmful solutions.
Vinegar once again is in vogue for killing weeds. Try it on your plants instead of toxic pesticides. Adding lemon juice can increase the efficiency of the concentration. Check with your local garden center for the appropriate concentration of vinegar to use on your garden.
