I have a modest "farm-stead". It is planted with a variety of fruit trees, berries along with seasonal garden beds that I created with low energy, non-petroleum based equipment, such as wheelbarrows, shovels and hoes with an emphasis on Earth-friendly growing practices! I just learned this low energy farming is called a "micro-farming."
From my experience, weed management is a constant activity. I was finally able to install weed barriers around the cultivation beds that is defined as 3 to 6 ml thick black plastic with a generous layer of wood bark. These barriers are in fact walk ways between the beds for visitors to view the gardens. The reduction in weeds in the beds have dramatically been reduced with the building of the barriers.
I recently read a National Center for Appropriate Technology NCAT publication titled Sustainable Weed Management for Small and Medium-Scale Farms (publication IP490). Examples cited of least toxic herbicides includes corn gluten meal at common rate of application of 40 pounds per 1,000 square feet and Clove oil. Corn gluten meal is effective at suppressing common grasses and herbaceous weeds. It is recommended only non-genetically modified corn is used in an organic or earth-friendly operation. Clove oil when applied topically is effective as acetic acid at controlling broadleaf weeds and other weed species. Broadleaf weeds often are associated with tap roots. Clove oil should be applied to the broadleaf weed prior to it going to seed. From my research, most enthusiasts of natural herbicides and pesticides recommend making a mix of the following in a spray bottle: Essential Clove oil, dish soap to your preference and even distilled vinegar.
Add 10 drops of Essential oil of Clove, about a tablespoon of soap and fill the spray bottle with water; shake vigorously. Note that if white vinegar is supplemented for some of the water, it is best to buy at a minimum CLEANING VINEGAR which is 6% acidity. Spray directly on the leaves you don't want.
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