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| Save me from the weeds!! = = = = = = = = = = = = = Dear Casual Gardener, I am drowning in weeds! They continue to grow and smother out my perennials. What do I do? How can I keep them controlled? Help! Signed, Weedy in Warrenville = = = = = = = = = = = = = Dear Weedy, Weeds insist on growing in every nook and cranny. I have a tried and true method for taking care of them. It’s simple, it’s old-fashioned, it’s called pulling! My secret to weed success is not to think of the weeds as a giant chore. Think positive! For pete’s sake, nothing’s a chore when you have a tropical drink or glass of wine in your hand! Jumping in to the garden on a beautiful Spring day, drink in hand, smile on face – how can you go wrong? Every Spring, usually around mid-May, my garden is filled with dandelions. They ARE perennials after all and insist on growing and sometimes remaining green right through the Winter season. I take one day and designate it “Weed Wacky Day”. I spend all day digging and pulling every weed I have. After that initial weeding, which is easily several hours long, I then work a little every day through the Summer to maintain a weed-free look. If I walk down my flagstone path and see a baby dandelion, it’s easy to bend down and pull it out with my fingers. You can do this too. It’s a teeny bit of work every day – done the “casual” way! I do have a favorite weeding tool; the dandelion weeder. If you can’t afford a new tool, use a flat head screwdriver. To dig up whole sections of grass or weeds, I’d recommend a garden fork. It’s easier to break up the dirt with a fork. Sometimes the job is SO large you have to use an herbicide. I’m not adverse to this, but prefer the old-fashioned pulling method to prevent the other garden plants from getting damaged. I’d save the herbicides for large scale weed or grass killing purposes. I also recommend being outside weeding without sunglasses on. As I’ve mentioned before in other columns, increasing your daylight time increases your serotonin level. This, in turn, makes you feel fantastic. To obtain the maximum daylight benefit, wear sunscreen but no sunglasses when in the garden. I have heard many people say, “weeding is therapy!” I believe this is true! Every summer I lower my blood pressure from my “little at a time” attitude in the garden. It’s meditative and once you get past your first “Weed Wacky Day”, it’s easy and simple. My best advice, and I practice this daily, is to grab your favorite refreshment and weeding tool, then take it a little at a time and do it the “casual” and relaxing way. I want you all to be healthy and enjoy the garden, not dread maintenance chores. Remember my secret formula for fun while weeding – beautiful sunny day, drink in hand, no sunglasses, smile on face. Instant relaxation!! Please send your gardening questions for Shawna Coronado, The Casual Gardener to dearshawna@thecasualgardener.com or The Casual Gardener, P.O. Box 358, Warrenville, IL 60555. www. thecasualgardener.com |
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