Weeds can be the biggest headache for homeowners as they affect the whole plant species. Weeds end up robbing others of their necessary food and water. No matter how careful you are, it can feel like it’s nearly impossible to stop weeds from growing. So what are the most common garden weeds, and how can you eliminate them? Are there any ways to prevent their growth? Here, P.O.P.S. Landscaping discusses common garden weeds and why it’s important to remove them from your gardens this season.
How Do Garden Weeds Grow And Why Are They Harmful?
Weeds are very common and can grow anywhere from your garden, around sidewalks, in the cracks of roads, etc. Weeds are opportunistic plants that will start to grow when conditions are good. Things like specific temperatures and soil conditions all contribute to the growth of weeds.
These plants can even lay dormant for years, and when they grow and germinate, they can produce thousands of seeds which then spread all over. Weeds like the dandelions don’t even need to do much; just a little wind and the seeds can populate grassy areas.
So why are weeds harmful? The simple answer is that these plants compete with the other plants in the garden. They compete for water, light, and nutrients, and because of that, they affect the growth of other plants. Due to that, the rate of plant growth decreases. Weeds also secrete harmful chemical substances that stop nearby plants’ growth, and if they grow big, they can even rob the plant of much-needed sunlight.
What Are The Most Common Garden Weeds?
First of all, before we talk about some of the most common garden weeds, let’s take a look at the three different types of weeds:
- Annual – The annual weeds are the type of weeds that grow by seeding and germination. These weeds only grow one season, and when their life cycle ends, they die independently. An example of these types of weeds is chickweed, etc.
- Biennial – As the name suggests, have a life cycle of two years. First, the weeds grow into a leafy plant. After that, they develop into flowers in the second year and start germinating seeds. The seeds grow and spread everywhere, and the new life cycle begins. An example of these types of weeds is the clover and prickly lettuce families.
- Perennial – These are the types of weeds that grow during multiple seasons. They have two ways of growing: By spreading or through roots. Either way, these are multi-seasonal weeds. Examples include the most common dandelion and ground ivy weeds.
Common Garden Weeds
Following are some of the most common garden weeds that you will come across, and all of them have different ways to get rid of, which we will talk about later:
- Chickweed
- Dames Rocket
- Nutsedge
- Pigweed
- Purslane
- Canada Thistle
- Crabgrass
- Dandelions
- Ragweed
- Bindweeds
- Foxtail
- Plantain
- Ground Ivy
Ways To Get Rid Of Weeds
Now there are two ways you can remove weeds. Either you do it all yourself or you can hire a professional landscaping service that can do it all for you. The following are ways through which you can kill the common garden weeds:
Cutting The Heads Off – The first and least laboring way of getting rid of weeds is chopping off their heads. If you cannot pull or dig the roots up, then at least do one thing. Chop off the heads or flowers that have grown up. This way you prevent seed setting and spreading, disrupting their life cycle. Take any grass trimmer or cutter, and every week, cut the heads.
Organic Herbicide Sprays – Organic herbicide sprays are an excellent way to get rid of weeds. You can use some homemade chemicals that can help you in preventing the growth of weeds. Some of the organic herbicide sprays are:
- Boiling water: Yes, boiling water has been used to prevent weeds. Simply boil a good amount of water and pour it over the weeds. This isn’t 100% effective so you may need to do this over and over again.
- Salt Solution: Make a salt solution containing salt, boiling water, and dish soap. Spray this over the weeds but make sure to cover nearby flowers or plants. Be careful not to soak the soil as it can affect other plants as well.
- Vinegar Solution: Full-strength vinegar is also effective. Spray it all over the weeds but do not spray it over the nearby plants or on windy days.
Dig The Weeds Up – Digging the weeds up is also essential if you do not want to hurt the growth of the other plant. It is a bit of work, but it is needed to be done. Make sure you always have gloves on when doing this task. Pulling the weeds might be a bit difficult, especially for those with deep roots. Pulling them up when the soil is wet or when the weeds are young and new will be easier.
Light Prevention – Another way to get rid of weeds is to cover the weeds and deprive them of getting sunlight. Weeds need sunlight to grow just like any other plant. By simply covering the weeds, you remove their ability to grow and they will die over time.
Hire a professional landscaping service
If you’re not up for doing the hard work, then your best option is to hire a professional landscaping service like POPS Landscaping. We will help maintain your garden and pull out all the weeds ruining your garden or lawn. Our trained professionals know all the strategies to kill common garden weeds without affecting the other plants.
Looking For A Landscaping Company? Call Us Today!
Weeds are common in every garden, and they can affect not only the growth of your planet but also the look of your yard. Follow the above-mentioned tips to ensure that your garden is as healthy as it should be. POPS Landscaping is a professional landscaping service providing top-notch landscaping services in north Georgia. From hardscaping to maintaining your garden, we provide top-quality service. If you need help with weed killing, we are here to help. Contact us now.
