What may I use to kill the weeds that will not harm my flowers?
Georgia Asked
I have several established flower gardens. What may I use to kill the weeds that will not harm my flowers? I have always pulled weeds, but am not as young as I once was and the weeds are beginning to take over.
The Gardener’s Answer
Weed control is an ongoing task for all gardeners. Even established beds require attention to prevent weeds from taking over. Of course, hand picking is an option, but if you are not up for it there are alternatives.
There are many weed-killing products available on the shelves of garden centers. These sprays are non-selective and will harm any desirable plants so avoid spraying on a windy day. Spot spraying when the weeds are young and during the heat of the day will give you the best results. Larger more established weeds may require a couple of applications.
A safe way to eliminate weeds without damaging your plants is to spread a layer of newspaper on the soil and then add a thin layer of mulch on top of the newspaper. This is not a process that will work overnight, but if you are willing to wait, it is easy, safe, and a good way to recycle your newspaper.
Corn gluten is another option. It is an organic pre-emergent herbicide that works great for eliminating future weeds by preventing the seeds from germinating. Unfortunately, it does not work for existing weeds.
