Killing weeds the natural way

Spring just might be springing… The warmer weather is tempting us, with more mild days and no chance of a deep freeze in the near future (we hope). And if you’re a gardener, this is bliss.

However, just like you’re getting your garden gear ready, the weeds are beginning to rear their heads. As soon as the frost is gone, they’re here, waiting to emerge and make their way into your life.
Luckily, there are plenty of eco-friendly, natural ways to control weeds before they start to cause havoc in your garden.

Do It Yourself Solutions

At-home remedies are great options because they are inexpensive (chances are, you have the stuff at home), and they are easy to use.
Vinegar is the “can-conquer-all” option, working for your weeds like it does for your kitchen floors. It works best with multiple applications and a little help from the sun. Be sure to apply it on a dry day without rain in the forecast, because it was to be dry to be effective.
Cornmeal works to prevent seeds from germinating. Just sprinkle the cornmeal directly on the soil (then use leftovers to whip up a batch of your favourite cornbread). Plan to wait until after the seeds already begin to sprout to make sure the cornmeal doesn’t harm the plants.
Boiling water is a simple and effective solution, pouring it directly onto the plants.
Salt is also effective, however, it can also poison the soil. Sprinkle lightly directly onto weeds, but be aware it can kill plant roots, fungi and earthworms. It’s best to use in areas where you simply cannot harm anything else around it.

Building Up a Barrier

Barriers can keep out light and prevent weeds from growing through it, making it last longer than a DIY option.
Newspaper is a great natural barrier against weeds. Use only the black and white papers, as the chemicals can harm the plants and soil.
Garden mulch will not prevent  weeds from growing but can help prevent weed seeds from sprouting.