3 Eco-Friendly Strategies to Safely and Effectively Deal with Unwanted Weeds

Weeds are inevitable garden visitors, but proper weed disposal is essential to prevent them from returning time and time again and invading your garden. While tossing weeds in the trash is the easiest way to get rid of them, there are three other ways that are helpful if done correctly. Natural weed killers, composting, and burning are safe and viable options when you need to dispose of weeds permanently.

Natural Weed Killers
Natural weed killers are the most environmentally-friendly way to get rid of weeds and most are available for purchase on Amazon. When shopping, look for ingredients such as clove and peppermint oil, vinegar, and soapy water, as these are all natural and non-toxic. Furthermore, natural weed killers are less expensive than their chemical counterparts which are known to impact our environment. Before spraying, make sure that the pesticide is labeled for the type of weeds you’re trying to get rid of. Spraying these natural weed killers should eliminate the weeds but remember to return in a few days to see if it’s been effective.

Composting

Weeds are organic waste so you may be tempted to throw them in your compost pile. However, composting weeds incorrectly can cause problems with the compost pile as well as your garden. That’s why it’s important to first make a separate compost bin just for weeds. Make sure that your weed compost pile reaches temperatures of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit. If it does, you can then mix the composted weeds in with your other pile and reintroduce it to your garden in one to two months.

Burning
Burning weeds is a fast and thorough way to dispose of them. However, it’s important to make sure to burn them in an open area far away from any buildings, structures, or flammable materials. Have a bucket of water handy as you’re burning and be sure to soon stamp out any remaining embers. After you’re finished burning, be sure to thoroughly douse the area with water to make sure that the entire area is extinguished.

Weeds may be pesky, but with proper planning and precautions, they can be disposed of permanently. Whether you choose to use natural weed killers, composting, or burning, make sure to take safety into account. Allowing the weeds to be naturally composted in the trash is the safest option of all. If you’re still hesitant about any of these methods, contact your local gardening center for further advice.