Weeds! They are just about everywhere in Central Florida. Often knows as water and nutrient thieves. They can harbor diseases and insects, while competing for space and resources. On top of that, they are unsightly!
Weeds can be very frustrating for home landscaper or gardener in Central Florida. Chemicals and solutions used to control weeds have been proven to be be toxic and hazardous to plants, people, beneficial insects, and gets into our waterways.
For instance, the UF/IFAS Extension reveals, How long does Roundup stay in the soil
According to the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC), glyphosate binds tightly to the soil, so it can persist in soil for up to 6 months.
Total breakdown time varies somewhat based on climate and the organic matter content of the soil. Glyphosate is broken down by microbial action in the soil.
UF IFAS Extension suggest methods for non-chemical weed control
Hand Pulling
Pulling weeds can be effective in some situations. (For example, you can pull weeds that are growing close to sensitive plants.) However, hand pulling can be demanding, and some weed species are difficult to pull. This is true for perennial weeds with extensive root systems, which may require multiple pulling sessions with gloves and knee pads.
Mulch
In addition to suppressing weeds, mulch has many benefits, such as maintaining soil moisture and adding a finished look to landscapes. All you need is a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch to control weeds in most situation
Every inch of soil contains weed seeds, but only those closest to the sunlight (first couple of inches of the soil) are able to germinate. Minimize digging or disturbing the soil, this can bring more weed seeds to the surface.
Landscape mulch deprives weeds of sunlight, while keeping the soil moist and cool. It also hosts insects such as the carabid beetle and crickets, both seek out weed seeds and devour thousands of them.
Mulch needs to be applied about 2 inches thick, any less and light can reach the weed seeds and any more can deprive the soil of oxygen.
