Every gardener dreams of that picture perfect landscape without a weed in sight. Every gardener also knows just how difficult it is to maintain a well-groomed yard. Weeds are more than unsightly, they can choke out tender new plants, drink up all the water and completely take over a prime garden space if not eradicated. Chemical weed killers are effective, but concerns about the environment and how such chemicals might affect family pets have pet owners rethinking their weed control methods.
The first step in pet-friendly weed control is to create an environment that’s difficult for weeds to survive in. Using drip irrigation helps deliver water directly to the plants you want without watering all the hidden weed seeds. Apply a two-inch layer of organic mulch such as bark, straw or pine needles to smother out weed sprouts before they take hold.
Preventative measures go a long way, but those pesky weeds will still find their way into your yard and garden now and then. When they do, try one of these non-toxic, pet-friendly methods for killing them:
• Salt makes soil inhospitable to living things and shouldn’t be used directly in the garden or lawn, but it’s a great weed-killer for places like sidewalk cracks, under decks and in driveways where you’re not trying to grow other plants anyway. Sprinkle plain table salt liberally around the weed, water it into the soil, and watch the weed whither.
• A mixture of white vinegar and dish soap is effective on most types of broad-leaf weeds and is safe for use around pets and children. Like salt, vinegar isn’t selective and will kill or damage any plants it comes in contact with. Mix one tablespoon of soap with one gallon of vinegar, and fill a spray bottle with the mixture. Spray on a windless day, being careful about overspray. It make take more than one application for weeds to die.
• Cornmeal isn’t technically a weed-killer, but it’s a pet-safe weed deterrent that will prevent weed seeds from sprouting. Spread cornmeal in the garden and lawn to protect mature plants.
• Boiling water may be the easiest, safest and least expensive weed killer available. Pour the hot water directly onto the unwanted plant—that’s it! The weed will die and the soil benefits from a bit of extra hydration.
You may also want to rethink your ideas about which plants are unwelcome in your yard. Many plants that are considered weeds are actually edible, delicious and full of nutrients. Chickweed, purslane and stinging nettle are a few plants which are considered pests that actually belong on your dinner plate, not your "most-unwanted" lists.