Natural Weed Control

A weed is any plant growing out of place. Weeds compete with plants for nutrition, moisture and room. Most soils are massive weed seed banks and our cultivation begins their germination. Most weeds simply look bad. Many create problems for the natural environment. They often perform better than the endemic vegetation. Weeds can also provide shelter for insect pests. A seasonal weed will die back leaving the soil exposed to erosion.

Herbicides are an expensive option. Most are dangerous to man and the natural environment. Toxic spray drift may be a problem. Certain plants develop resistance with continual chemical usage. Some can poison the ground, waterways and pets. Problems may arise with disposal of herbicide containers.

Consider whether you need to kill the weed entirely or just control it. Weeds are mainly a problem in poor or regularly disturbed soils.

• Maintain fertile soil to enable your wanted plants to out-compete the weeds.
• Apply lime or gypsum.
• Apply organic matter regularly.
• Fertilise plants regularly.
• Create good soil drainage.
• Maintain a complete ground cover of your plants, as bare ground allows space for weeds.
• Remove weeds before they become established and flower. By letting a weed seed encourages a continuous seed bank problem.
• You may be able to mow weeds immediately next to your property.
• Avoid transporting contaminated materials such as top soil or mulch onto your property.
• Hose down machinery used in weed infested areas.

Cultivation of the soil inhibits weed growth.

• Young weeds are damaged more by cultivation than established weeds.
• Leave weeds to dissecate on top of the soil.
• Many weeds will regrow if their roots remain in the soil.
• Some weeds with a massive root system are extremely hard to kill. Persevere.

Smother weeds with mulch. Most common mulches include:

• grass clippings
• leaves
• hay
• newspaper
• woodchips or pine bark

Try to make the mulch at least 8-10 cm thick to smoother weed growth. Pile newspaper 15-30 sheets thick. Avoid hay or grass clippings containing large quantities of weed seed. Synthetic weed mats can be purchased. A tightly woven fabric lets water seep through but prevents weed growth.

Grazing animals such as chickens control weeds and supply beneficial manure at the same time. Buy a goat or two for large properties.

Other non-chemical control methods include:

• Mowing
  Set mower low to do the most damage to weeds and cut before the weed seeds.

  Solarisation
  Place large sheets of clear plastic over the ground surface in warm weather. The surface heats sufficiently to kill germinating weed seed as well as potential disease organisms.

• Flooding
  Flooding is sometimes used on flat areas.

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