Natural Herbicides for Your Lawn and Garden

The most important step to a healthy lawn is how you mow the grass. Set your mower blades so that they cut the grass no shorter than three inches. Allow the grass to reach a length of 4 ½ inches before the next mowing.

This serves two purposes. First when you leave the grass a little bit longer, you prevent weeds from getting enough light and water. The mower cuts the broad leaves of the fast growing weeds off but still leaves the grass at a reasonable length so it doesn’t have to compete with the re-growth of the weeds. This technique makes it nearly impossible for the weeds to compete.

Secondly, leaving your grass longer is less stressful for the plant and a healthier plant is more resistant to pests and disease. Additionally, leaving the cuttings throughout the lawn will help to further prevent weeds and fertilize the soil.

In addition to mowing try the following to reduce and prevent weed growth:

• For your garden, create a weed barrier. A cheap easy technique calls for wet newspaper placed around your plants and then covered up with mulch. Layer dry newspaper at ¼ inch thickness and wet thoroughly once it is in place. This will let water and nutrients through to your plants but prevent unwanted weeds. You can also purchase weed barriers made of fabrics or plastics that are designed to perform the same task.
• For unwanted plants mix a solution of lemon juice and vinegar and spray on unwanted plants. You may have to reapply a few times for stubborn weeds. This concoction makes a great non toxic natural herbicide.
• Inhibit germination and stop weed growth before it starts by applying corn gluten meal to your lawn. This not only stops weeds from spouting but also serves as a natural fertilizer for your grass. You can apply this natural herbicide in early spring through June and again in fall if necessary. This technique will not work in the summer since the weeds’ roots are already established. Over time you should not need to reapply. Corn gluten meal is also effective in gardens and can be applied anytime as needed after weeds have been removed.
• Using live mulch such as thyme or rye will enhance your garden while at the same time acting as a natural herbicide. These plants grow quickly but not too high, so they out compete weeds but not your taller plants. Make sure that any plant that you use as live mulch is native vs. an invasive species to your particular region.
• To get rid of and to prevent moss and algae growth on trees, decks or your home, apply a natural potassium based soap

If you find it easier to purchase natural herbicides look for products that contain derivatives of allelopathic plants such as black walnut, sunflower, sagebrush and spotted knapweed. The term Allelopathy refers to the natural chemicals found in certain plants that are toxic to other types of vegetation.