Lawn Weeds

Even the best cared-for lawn has its fair share of weed problems. While there are many ways to control the growth of weeds, there are also a few things that you should avoid doing when implementing weed control measures.

Here are seven things that you should avoid doing when getting rid of the weeds in your lawn.

1. Avoid mowing at the wrong time and height

weeds can grow easily when you mow at a low height. Low mowing causes the weeds to spread their seeds easily and quickly through your lawn. You should also avoid mowing immediately after applying weed killer solution, as this will prevent the weed killer solution from moving into the weeds.

2. Avoid fertilizing at the wrong time of the year

Most of the time, summer season is a bad time to fertilize your lawn. The lawn grasses will be stressed from the hot weather and have difficulty absorbing the fertilizers completely. The weeds will use the excess fertilizers instead. However, the type of grasses in your lawn and the type of fertilization used also influence the timing. A good understanding of the characteristics of your lawn grass and the type of fertilizers you intend to use will help avoid fertilizing at the wrong time.

3. Avoid over-watering

Not only is over-watering a waste of precious water, it can help the weeds to grow better. The weeds will use the excess water not absorbed by the soil for their own growth. You have to make sure that the water is going into the soil and being used for the grass and avoid helping the weeds instead.

4. Avoid having too much shade

Many types of weeds begin in the shade, as they do not need a lot of sunlight to grow. The more shade you have, the easier it will be for the weeds to spread. By cutting back the tree branches and bushes, you can help prevent the weeds from growing and spreading.

Lawn Weeds

5. Avoid adding herbicides to new sod or to newly planted seed

Adding herbicides to new sod or to newly planted seed may kill weeds but it has a more devastating effect. The herbicides will kill the new sod or any newly planted seeds and cause the development of your new lawn to grind to a halt!

6. Avoid using herbicides during hot weather

In hot weathers, the soil has less moisture than in cool weather. Adding herbicides at this time can cause damage to the grass. Moreover, the herbicide solution will evaporate faster and lose its effectiveness.

7. Avoid using the ‘one-size-fits-all’ model for weed control

Different types of weeds thrive in different types of environments. The amount of nutrients available also affects its growth. It is important for you to identify which type of weeds you have and choose the right type of weed killer. Understanding the characteristic of the weeds can help you avoid implementing the wrong weed control methods. In addition, the more you understand the weeds, the less time and effort you need to bring the growth of weeds under control.

Once you know the right method in removing the weeds in your lawn, you will find that it is easier to prevent more weeds from appearing without having to put in extra maintenance efforts. You can then spend the extra free time relaxing in your lush green lawn with your family.

Lawn Weeds

tropical gardens

Growing plants that originate in tropical areas, no matter where you live, has become a popular hobby. Most of our houseplants today, in fact, are actually tropical or semi-tropical species that we’ve begun growing indoors for decoration and pleasure. Many of them are from India, Central America, and Africa.

Many gardeners are finding that tropical plants will also do well in their outdoor gardens, if given proper care and nurturing. This is especially true in the milder climates and those zones with fairly high average temperatures year round. Whole industries of hybrid tropical-looking plants that are better in colder weather have cropped up, making it easier than ever to grow tropicals out of doors.

In Victorian times, tropical gardens were expensive, lavish affairs and were considered the highest of fashion. These were often “pot” gardens, with the plants in large containers that could be moved inside in inclement weather and the colder months. Whole rooms and even wings of homes were dedicated “conservatories” for these plants and for the nurturing and propagation of them.

Many of the flowers and plants that we see today as “everyday” are actually tropicals. Annuals like geraniums, impatients, and begonias are examples of this that might surprise you. Whether you live in an area warm enough to plant these outdoors year-round or in a greenhouse or in pots you bring inside in the colder times of year, tropicals are beautiful additions (or exclusives) for any garden.

Be aware that warm temperatures are not enough, however. Humidity and how the weather changes with nightfall are also important factors. If you live in the desert southwest, for instance, you will likely find that tropicals will not do well without lots of moisture and barriers from the cold night air. Greenhouses are almost required if you are not growing your tropicals indoors.

Providing heat and moisture is what makes tropicals grow their best, pushing to the sky with vibrant colors and strong roots. If you can provide the moisture and sunlight the plants require, along with the warmth they need, you can grow even the smallest varieties into mammoths of their species.

If the weather is conducive, even indoor plants will appreciate some time out doors when the weather permit. A few hours outside each day can do wonders for your plant’s growth and beauty. Just be sure to keep the soil moist and the leaves from becoming burnt from too much sunlight. Popular tropical houseplants like rubber plants, dieffenbachia, spider plants, pothos and others will make great additions to a tropical garden outdoors for a few hours each day. If you live where these can be outside all the time, then they can make great spot flourishes or border plants as well.

Keeping them in containers year round in colder climates will make it much easier to enjoy your plants both indoors and out, whenever the weather permits. Enjoy your tropicals and remember that growing them comes with a rich heritage and makes for a great atmosphere for you in your home!

You can’t always get what you want but you can find what you need on the subject of tropical landscape designs. We make the topics simple, visit plant-care.com.