Kill weeds naturally
Applying toxic chemicals around patios, porches, and walkways may make you uneasy, especially in areas frequented by children and pets. But there are do-it-yourself, eco-sensitive alternatives. You can kill weeds that pop up in cracks and crevices by scalding them with boiling water. Or, combine 1 tablespoon gin, 1 tablespoon cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon dish detergent and 1 quart water and pour into a spray bottle. The offending weeds will be dead within a few hours of application. Note: these treatments will kill any vegetation, so be careful where you spray.
Make compost tea
This liquid lunch for plants is packed with nutrients and beneficial bacteria that naturally occur in compost, the gardener's "black gold." Apply the tea as you would regular water or spray it on a plant to impart its pathogen-fighting benefits to the foliage. It's a fast-acting, eco-friendly way to boost your plants' health.
Create a rain garden
Stem the flow of water running off roofs, driveways and other hard surfaces by creating rain gardens. These vegetated depressions collect runoff that would otherwise flow into storm drains and surface waters, causing erosion and taking pollutants along for the ride. Rain gardens, typically planted with native species that require little care or maintenance, recycle the otherwise wasted water by releasing it into the air as water vapor and also by recharging the ground supply.
Apply mulch
Mulch does more than dress-up your plants. Applying a 3- to 4-in. layer of mulch in your flower and vegetable gardens as well as around trees, shrubs, and foundation plantings will suppress weeds, help retain soil moisture, and keep roots cool. It also adds organic matter to your soil as the mulch breaks down. You'll water less, use fewer weed controls, and boost your soil's organic profile.
