How to Kill Weeds and Plant Seeds
Killing weeds in a garden bed that is intended for seeding complicates the lives of many gardeners. While commercial weed killers are some of the most effective products available and seem like the obvious choice, they often pollute the soil for extended periods, making the soil unusable through much of the growing season. Other forms of weed control can be used with great results, leaving the soil rich and fertile for planting seeds. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Killing Weeds and Planting Seeds
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1
Kill weeds by hand. This is the most labor intensive form of weed control and also one of the most effective. Gloves will help protect your hands from weeds and undesirable pests. With a weed-pulling tool or a spade, loosen the soil around the weed and gently pull it from the ground. Remove as much of the root system as possible. This method does not prevent future weed outbreaks, but it leaves the soil pristine for seed planting.
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2
Use vinegar to kill the weeds. Vinegar makes an excellent weed killer and has little long-lasting impact on the soil. Apply the vinegar liberally with a sprayer or watering can. The vinegar will eliminate the weeds temporarily and make the soil a little more acidic. After a couple of rainfalls, the vinegar will dilute and leech out of the soil, leaving it ready for seed planting.
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3
Kill the weeds with boiling water. Boil a pot of water and apply to the weeds immediately. Essentially, this cooks the weeds where they grow without causing harm to the soil. Within a day or two, you will notice the weeds wilting. Remove them or leave them to biodegrade.
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4
Prepare the garden bed. With the weeds now dead, you can amend the soil with fertilizer and potting soil to create the perfect nutritional field for your seeds. Break up any soil clumps, and remove rocks and any weed root matter.
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5
Plant your seeds. Dig shallow trenches for the seeds. Spread the seeds according to the directions on the seed packet. Cover with soil and water the seeds in lightly.
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6
Maintain your garden bed. Continue to remove weeds as you see them sprout. If you use boiling water or vinegar, exercise caution where the seeds are planted. These substances will kill garden plants as well. Use a spray bottle or stick to hand weed during the growing season.
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