Tag: weeding

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Welcomed Weeding

How much do I love weeding?  Let me count the ways!

For starters, weeding is good exercise.  When I’m out in the yard, bending, stooping and pulling at unbidden greenery, I end up getting a pretty good workout.  And then there’s all that walking to and fro, covering each area of the yard as I move.  The thick layer of mulch that’s applied in the spring keeps most weeds under control but there are always stragglers popping up, especially at the garden’s edge where there’s plenty of light for germination.

There’s a certain satisfaction in weeding, that job-well-done kind of feeling.  While working I take heart in knowing that I’m rescuing my beloved perennials from a pack of bullies.  As all gardeners come to know, weeds tend to be thugs.  They have no respect for their neighbors, usurping valuable moisture and crowding everybody around them.  If left to go to seed, they will return again and again, so it’s always best to pick them young if you can.

Another side benefit of weeding is that we get a close-up look at how our gardens are doing.  Since you’re already near to the ground you can easily spot any insect or critter damage.  You can see which plants are thriving and which may need to be replaced.  It’s an opportunity to assess which plants needs dividing or where additional plants could be added to fill in gaps.

Weeding is also meditative work but I find this to be true of gardening in general.  When I’m outside working in my garden, I lose myself completely in the act.  I forget my troubles and focus only on the here and now, immersed in my precious chunk of real estate and constantly tweaking the garden design in my mind.

When we look upon weeding as a chance to be closer to the natural comings and goings around us, it becomes a gift rather than a chore, and who doesn’t love to feel rewarded with a well cared-for garden after a satisfying day’s work outdoors!

bloom blooming blossom blur
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

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An Ode to Mulch

Caring for a garden takes a lot of time, patience and work.  Although we’re all brimming with enthusiasm in spring, the summer gardening chores of weeding and watering get old fast.  When you have to squeeze in gardening between a job, housework and children, it can quickly become a burden.  So what is the number one thing I recommend to make gardening less labor intensive and more enjoyable?  It’s mulch!

Why mulch, you ask?  Well, one application put down in the spring lasts all season.  My personal preference is shredded bark mulch, although there are many different types to choose from.  You can either buy bagged mulch or have a landscaper bring in a truckload, depending upon your budget and the size of your garden.  If you’re young and energetic, you can easily spread it around yourself.  If you’re older than dirt (like my husband and myself), you might opt to have someone spread it for you.  Avoid the dyed stuff and go with the natural product which has a fresh pine scent.  Not only will your whole yard smell terrific, a mulched garden looks elegant and gives your home more curb appeal.

Mulch keeps your garden soil moist, thus limiting the time you have to spend watering.  You should still water any new plantings and during extended dry spells, but mulch holds the moisture much longer than bare soil so you’ll have to water less often.  Even outdoor potted plants benefit from a moisture-retentive layer of mulch.  So rather than holding a hose in the hot sun, you can hold a Margarita while you sit in the shade admiring your beautiful flowers and veggies!

Another benefit is that mulch suppresses weeds.  You will always have some weeds because they’re very good at what they do and Mother Nature programs them to use any available space in your garden to take up residence.  However, you’ll have a lot less weeds germinating in a three-inch layer of mulch and much less to pluck out later.

Lastly, a good organic mulch feeds your soil.  Year after year, layer after layer, mulch breaks down into compost and any compost is good news for your garden.  By keeping your soil healthy, your plants will be nourished the way nature intended.  Mulch also acts as an insulator, keeping the soil cooler in the heat of summer and protecting your perennials from severe cold in the winter.

So, if you want to spend less time working in your garden and more time admiring it, make a yearly investment in mulch and enjoy that Margarita!

green succulent flowers on pot
Photo by Tharatip Sukee on Pexels.com

DISCLOSURE: From time to time I may use Affiliate Links such as the ones below. I use these only for companies I trust. When you click through on the link and make a purchase from the website, I may make a small commission (at no additional cost to you) which helps me to maintain my website.