Get Rid of Weeds with These Tips from Reedsburg True Value

If left unchecked, weeds can deprive flowers and plants in your garden of needed water, light, and soil nutrients. But I can show you a few ways to keep them under control.

Here's what you'll need. Gardening gloves, eye protection, a shovel or weeding tool, a power tiller if necessary, and an herbicide that fits your needs. One way is to pull weeds by hand making sure to remove the entire root system. You can also use a shovel or weeding tool or power tiller if the soil is compacted. Digging, chopping and turning the soil can be effective if you are trying to eliminate weeds that typically grow from seed, and have a single clump root system.

Annual weeds like chick weed and crab grass are produced by seed only and live for a single season. The seeds of perennial weeds like clover and dandelion can lie dormant for as long as seven years. Perennial weeds should be dug up completely roots and all. Cutting them with a tiller will only produce more.

Pre-emergent herbicides work great on annual weeds. Use in early spring and they will protect your lawn all summer. You can also applied in late fall to get a head start on the next season. A post emergent herbicide will work on weeds that have already begun to grow, but won't prevent new ones.

If you spray herbicide with a garden hose attachment wait for a calm day to prevent the chemical from harming adjoining flower patches. Many post emergent herbicides are highly toxic. Purchase only as much as you need and wear protective clothing and garden gloves.

Always read the labels of herbicides before purchase. Some are selective and kill only certain types of weeds best suited to general garden use. Some selected brands kill any plant they touch weeds or not. These are good for concrete and driveways where there are no other plants near by.

That's it! Need more expert advice? Stop by Martens Reedsburg True Value Hardware store and ask one of our Garden Department Specialists for guidance if necessary.

Reedsburg True Value Superstore has the gardening products you need to get the job done right!