Controlling weeds without chemicals
How do I kill weeds without using chemicals that may harm my kids and pets?
**FULL QUESTION:**
Dear Gardening Life,
How does one control weeds in the lawn when you have children and don’t want to use chemicals? I am a complete novice when it comes to maintaining golf-green gardens.
*- Q. Haji*
**ANSWER:**
Hullo!
You should definitely not be using chemicals if children or pets are playing on the grass.
Keeping your lawn healthy is the best way to prevent weeds and disease. In spring, apply an organic treatment of corn gluten to prevent weed seeds from sprouting. Top-dress with compost or a well-rotted manure, or use an organically based slow-release fertilizer.
Also, make sure your lawn has an inch or so of water a week (occasional deep watering is better than frequent light sprinkles). Set your mower high so the grass is no shorter than three inches. It won’t be quite as manicured but will shade out weeds.
Yet another alternative is to use a grass seed mix called Eco-lawn (available from Wildflower Farm that is remarkably tough and needs less mowing. Many landscaping companies now offer organic lawn-maintenance programs, too, so check those out.
Good luck,
*Karen York, GL Botanical Editor*
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