3: Controlling Weeds, Pests, and Disease in .NET

Generate QR Code JIS X 0510 in .NET 3: Controlling Weeds, Pests, and Disease

Open ground is an open invitation for weed seeds to take root and for creeping plants to expand their territory You can prevent and smother weeds, protect the soil from erosion, and enrich it at the same time by planting crops that you can till into the soil later Thickly planted cover crops prevent weed seeds from sprouting and crowd out the ones that do When the cover crop has done its job, you simply rotary till it into the soil, where it decomposes and adds organic matter Cover crops fall into two broad categories Within each group, some live for a single season, and others are perennial, coming back year after year Legumes: Plants that have the ability to convert nitrogen from the air into nitrogen in the soil are called legumes These plants increase the fertility of the soil while they grow and add rich organic matter when rotary tilled under Some of them, especially alfalfa, have deep roots that bring water and other nutrients to the surface Legumes provide an excellent source of nectar for bees as well as habitat for numerous beneficial insects Legumes for cover crops include several types of clover, hairy vetch, soybeans, and alfalfa Grasses and buckwheat: These cover crops grow quickly, allowing you to till under some of them just a few weeks after planting; others can remain in place for months Either way, they add large amounts of organic matter to the soil Buckwheat flowers are also valuable for bee nectar Other cover crops in this group include annual ryegrass, oats, winter rye, and sudangrass Cover crops can serve your garden needs in different ways, depending on your goals and time frame, but unlike some other weed-control measures, you do have to plan ahead when using them: New garden preparation: The year before you intend to plant a vegetable, fruits, or flower garden, turn over the soil and sow a thick cover crop Depending on the crop used and on whether you have time, turn under the first cover crop and grow another before tilling the garden for food or flowers Between gardening seasons: After you harvest the last of your vegetables and remove the crop residue from the garden, sow a cover crop for the winter If you live in a cold-winter climate, choose a fast-growing grass and plant it at least several weeks before the ground freezes Turn it under in the spring In warmer climates, prevent the cover crop from going to seed Otherwise, it may become a weed itself During the garden season: Some cover crops, especially white clover, are useful as permanent ground covers in orchards and in the aisles between permanent planting beds Clover encourages beneficial insects and adds nitrogen to the soil while preventing noxious weeds

One of the latest and most effective weed killers to hit the market, propanefueled flamers make quick work of weeds Instead of setting plants on fire, they have special nozzles that work by literally boiling the sap inside the plants and bursting their cells The least expensive flamers cost little more than a high quality rake and are a worthwhile investment for large gardens, yards, and orchards Expect to pay from $30 to more than $100 for a flamer hose, fittings, nozzle, and valves They attach to any standard propane tank The most expensive models allow the fuel tank to be worn as a backpack and include convenient squeeze-control valves For the most effective control, use your flamer when weeds are small Large weeds and tough perennials may need repeat treatments You can purchase flamers at farm- and garden-supply stores and mail-order companies Avoid using flamers in windy or dry conditions, especially if you live in an arid region Keep a hose or other water source handy to douse unexpected flames