Organic Weed and Pest Control Through Soil Sterilization

August 24, 2010 by Jeanne

Please enjoy my latest organic gardening article –

I’m actually using big sheets of newspaper on the garden paths in the flower garden to the same effect. While not sterilizing the soil, it is starving the weeds of light, and preventing germination until we can get the landscape fabric, pebbles and stepping stones to that particular potion of the pathway. I plan to try solar sterilization next year on sections that right now are lost to weeds.

Weeds, weeds, weeds….seems like I’m always in a battle with them!

« Easy Care Plants for a Simple Butterfly Garden

Chrysanthemums and Pumpkins »

A close up of American burnweed flowers about to bloom.

American Burnweed, the Weed That Signals Fall Is Here

I was walking my dog along the wood’s edge right near where we cleared land to build our greenhouse when I did a double take. There, like Jack’s magical beanstalk, had grown overnight this gem: American burnweed. Also known as fireweed or American burn weed, it grows rapidly – and I mean, rapidly. Like I…

What Can You Make with Summer Squash?

It’s that time of year when everyon asks, “What can I make with summer squash?”. The time when neighbors sneak bags of summer squash onto porches. When farmer’s markets are brimming with yellow and green squash, zucchini, and all manner of Cucurbitaceae, the plant family that gives, and gives, until it can’t give anymore. If…

Growing Marshmallow Plant

Growing marshmallow plant has been on my gardening to-do list for quite some time. I’ve read about it in herbal books and grown its cousins in the Malvaceae family from seed. The dark purple mallow plant I have thrives in my little garden by the shed, so I thought, “Why not grow marshmallow there?” I…

August in the Garden: Late Summer Delight

August in the Garden: Tasks, Tips, and a Look Ahead to Fall Here in South Central Virginia, August has always felt like “back to school” season. By mid-month, the local schools are back in session, and with two universities in our small town, the stores fill up with dorm supplies and school gear. What a…

Footer

Let’s Connect!