Ahhh, the warm months have finally arrived. Great times are to be had in the backyard with barbeques, family fun time, star gazing and more. Time to spruce up the grass, plant beds, shrubs, etc. As much fun as working in the garden can be, weeding is usually the most challenging and least favourite task. It can be physically exhausting but there are ways to simplify how you weed.
Removing weeds from walkways, patios and driveway
It never fails. Weeds always seem to find a way to grow between the cracks. In the past, it was simple to use pesticides to kill them, but that option is no longer acquirable due to government legislation. For some, the thought of getting down on hands and knees, scraping away with a knife to get rid of weeds is not the most comfortable way to eradicate them.
I’ve found the easiest and most cost-effective way to deal with weeds is with boiling water. Simply boil water in your kettle, pour it over the weed, and depending on the size, the weed will literally wither and dry up in hours, or at the worst, a few days. Pick up the dead foliage, throw it your compost bin and you’re done.
Note that this method also works with getting rid of weeds on your lawn, but the water can also kill the grass so be sure you isolate the area when using this technique.
Removing dandelions on the lawn
If you have purchased a home where the lawn has not been maintained, you’ll most likely have dandelions – and a lot of them. Again the pesticide option can't be used, but I found my own way to get rid of them. I soak the area, making sure the ground becomes fully saturated, then I take a sharp spade and dig into the ground just behind the dandelion, and with a tiny leverage, I can easily pull it out.
This technique can be used for dandelions that have been in the ground for three or four years –
even those with a diameter of 4-6 inches and a tap root of approximately 12 inches or more.
The ideal news is when you use this method, the dandelions don’t come back. You might get the occasional one, but they will be simple to stay on top of. Believe me, if you saw my lawn, your doubts would be answered.
Care of your hands
One thing that’s challenging with any gardening endeavor (or any greasy job or painting job) is keeping your hands clean before and after you work, especially if you don’t wear conserving gloves.
I recommend covering your hands, including under the nails, with hand cream. When your job is complete, apply another light application of the cream, working well into all the crevices, then wash your hands with soap and water. You won’t need a nab brush, the dirt will come off that easily.
I hope these swift gardening tips will help you easily manage the weeds around your home, keep your hands in good order, and set you up for a season of fun and laughter, sharing your garden with family and friends.
Harry Magill is a passionate realtor who adores helping people find the perfect home that fits like a glove, both emotionally and financially. He has been a long-time resident of Barrie, Ontario who adores giving back to the community. Harry has been a member of the District Real Estate Board for 36 years. He has served as President of the Kiwanis Club of Kempenfelt Bay as well as Director of the Real Estate Board and has served as Chairman of the Huge Brothers and Huge Sisters Showcase Tour of Homes. He is the current Treasurer and Director of the Women & Children’s Shelter in Barrie and serves on the Advisory Board of the Salvation Army. When he’s not helping people with their real estate dreams or donating his time for worthy causes, Harry adores to take in a rousing game of golf. For more information on how you can make the ideal of your real estate investments with a caring, trusted realtor, visit Harry’s website at: http://www. harrymagill. com