Take Control of Your Garden with These Natural Weed-Fighting Tips

Few things are more frustrating than spending hours in the garden, only to have pesky weeds pop up and ruin the party. Sure, you could reach for a chemical herbicide, but those come with health warnings and environmental concerns. Luckily, there are natural, inexpensive, and surprisingly effective ways to keep weeds in check without turning your yard into a danger for animals and kids.

Here are a few of my favorite tips for keeping your garden green—and your weeds gone:

Mulch like you mean it.

Mulch isn’t just for making your flower beds look pretty. It’s a weed-smothering superhero. A thick layer of mulch - about 2 to 3 inches - is enough to block sunlight from reaching weed seeds, which keeps them from sprouting in the first place. Organic mulches like shredded leaves, bark, straw, or even grass clippings will decompose over time and feed your soil, giving you a double win. Just be sure to keep mulch a few inches away from the stems of plants to avoid rot.

Boil ’em alive.

It might sound extreme, but boiling water is one of the cheapest and most effective weed killers around. This is best used on driveways, sidewalks, and between patio stones, anywhere you’re not worried about killing off other plants. Just bring a kettle to a boil and pour directly on the weeds. Be careful, this method is simple but not forgiving if you spill on your foot!

Vinegar, the pantry powerhouse.

If you have white vinegar in the kitchen, you have a natural weed killer. A spray bottle filled with vinegar will dry out young weeds quickly, especially on hot, sunny days. For stubborn weeds, you can mix in a few drops of dish soap to help the vinegar stick to the leaves. Keep in mind this method is non-selective, meaning it’ll kill just about anything it touches, so aim carefully.

Get hands-on with a hoe.

There’s nothing wrong with a little elbow grease. Weeding by hand may not be glamorous, but it’s highly effective, especially if you catch weeds early before they go to seed. A sharp hoe or weeding tool can help you slice through roots just below the surface. Aim to weed after a rain or a good watering session—wet soil makes the job much easier.

Plant your ground troops.

Want to crowd out weeds before they get started? Ground covers like clover, creeping thyme, or sweet woodruff create a living mulch that prevents weeds from taking hold. Plus, many are low-maintenance and attractive, which is a win for any gardener trying to keep things neat without constant upkeep.

With a little time and some natural reinforcements, you can tackle weeds without reaching for the chemical spray. Your garden, and the bees, butterflies, pets, and kids that enjoy it, will thank you.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Tis the Season for Mulch

Mulch is one of the most effective and straightforward ways to improve the health and appearance of your yard or garden. It helps with moisture retention, weed control, and soil temperature regulation, while also giving garden beds a more finished look.

There are several practical reasons to use mulch. First, it helps retain soil moisture by reducing evaporation, which means less frequent watering. It also suppresses weed growth by blocking sunlight from reaching weed seeds. In addition, mulch helps regulate soil temperatures, keeping soil cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, and can prevent soil erosion during heavy rains.

For organic mulch, there’s the added benefit of soil improvement. As it breaks down, it adds nutrients and organic matter to the soil, supporting healthier plants over time.

Organic mulch includes materials such as:

• Shredded bark or wood chips

• Straw or hay (used more often in vegetable gardens)

• Pine needles

• Leaves

• Compost

These materials break down over time and improve soil structure, but they need to be replenished periodically, usually once a year.

Inorganic mulch includes:

• Rubber mulch

• Gravel or stone

• Landscape fabric

These materials don’t break down and won’t improve the soil, but they’re longer-lasting and may be better for certain uses like pathways, around foundations, or in areas where soil enrichment isn’t needed.

The right mulch depends on your goals. For plant health and soil improvement, organic options are typically better. For durability and low maintenance, inorganic mulch may be more appropriate.

How to Apply Mulch

Applying mulch correctly is key to getting its full benefits. Here are the basic steps:

1. Clear the Area – Remove weeds and grass from the area you want to mulch. You may also want to edge the area for a cleaner border.
   

2. Prepare the Soil – Rake the soil to level it, and if you’re using compost or other amendments, mix them in before mulching.
   

3. Apply Mulch – Spread a layer of mulch 2 to 4 inches deep. Less than 2 inches may not suppress weeds effectively; more than 4 inches can prevent water from reaching the soil.
   

4. Keep It Away from Stems and Trunks – Leave a few inches of space around plant stems and tree trunks. Mulch piled directly against them can trap moisture and lead to rot or pest issues.
   

5. Maintain – Check your mulch periodically. Organic mulch will decompose over time and may need to be replenished once a year. Inorganic mulch usually needs less frequent maintenance.

Mulch is a simple and affordable way to care for your yard. By choosing the right type and applying it properly, you can improve soil health, reduce maintenance, and keep your landscape looking tidy year-round.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Spring Lawn Care Tips for a Healthy Season Ahead

The first day of spring is officially here in Connecticut and we’re already seeing early signs of the season peeking through in the form of crocuses, daffodils, and warmer weather. After an up-and-down winter with a good amount of snow, now is the perfect time to give your lawn some much-needed attention so it thrives all season long.

Here’s your early spring checklist to help get your grass green, healthy, and beautiful:

1. Start with a Soil Test

Before you do anything else, start with a soil test. Grass can be picky, and understanding your soil’s pH and nutrient profile is essential. Ideally, your pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0. A test will help determine what your lawn needs—so you don’t waste money on the wrong fertilizer or seed. You can pick up an easy DIY soil test kit at your local hardware store or hire a professional landscaper to do it for you.

2. Clean-Up Comes First

Once the snow is gone and the ground begins to thaw, it’s time to clean up winter’s mess. Remove any sticks, leaves, or pine needles that have accumulated. Then, rake your lawn—even if it looks clear. Raking helps dethatch the lawn by removing the layer of dead grass and debris that can block sunlight and prevent new growth. Thatch offers insulation in winter, but now it’s time to let your lawn breathe.

3. Aerate for Better Growth

Aerating your lawn is a game-changer. It helps break up compacted soil, improves air and water flow, and gives grass roots better access to nutrients. You can rent an aerator or hire a pro, but either way, don’t skip this step—it really helps your lawn thrive from the ground up.

4. Apply a Pre-Emergent for Weed Control

Weeds are the first to pop up in the spring—and they’re stubborn. Applying a pre-emergent herbicide now will help stop weeds like crabgrass before they take over. The best product for your yard will depend on your soil and grass type, so talk to your local garden center expert for guidance. Getting ahead of weeds early gives your grass a better shot at soaking up all the sunlight and nutrients it needs.

5. Reseed Bare or Thinning Areas

Even healthy lawns can develop thin or patchy areas. Whether you're filling in bare spots or overseeding the entire lawn, the right grass seed makes all the difference. Match your seed type to your soil and light conditions—your local hardware store can point you in the right direction. Use a seed spreader for even coverage and keep the area consistently moist to encourage germination.

6. Finish Strong with Fertilizer

Finally, give your lawn a nutritional boost with fertilizer. Just like with seed, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Your soil test results will tell you what nutrients your lawn is lacking, so choose a fertilizer that supports those needs. The right mix will encourage lush, vibrant growth that lasts well into summer.

One Last Tip: Don’t Mow Too Soon!

It’s tempting to get out the mower once the weather warms, but try to hold off. Let your grass grow a little taller in early spring—longer blades help develop stronger roots and prevent weeds from sprouting. A little patience now will go a long way in creating a thick, healthy lawn you’ll enjoy all season.

Happy spring—and happy growing!

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call (860) 589-5155 or visitwww.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.