Grow With the Flow with Melissa Cox

It’s been a hot and wet start to the summer, and that means one thing: weeds. No one likes weeding, but it is unfortunately necessary to keeping a healthy garden.

Before turning to RoundUp (glyphosate), try these safer, more eco-friendly weed killing methods.
This is because RoundUp (glyphosate) was found to cause carcinogenic potential and oxidative stress in humans in a 2023 study published in the ‘Journal of the National Cancer Institute’. See: https://doi.org/10.1093/jnci/djac242

Manual removal 

Weeding by hand can be annoying, but it can also give you a chance to reconnect with nature, enjoy some fresh air, and enjoy some quality time with your plants. To make the task more comfortable, use a kneeling pillow, quality gardening gloves, and a strong hand cultivator to dig out roots. Put on a podcast or your favourite album and get stuck in!

When I need to banish weeds from my gravel paths and rockeries, I incinerate them using a propane-powered weed torch. Available at your local hardware store, this is a chemical-free, efficient way to deal with weeds that are hard to dig out. I only use it right after a rain or with a large bucket of water right next to me.

Homemade and natural 

The solution to your weed problem might be in your cupboard! Mix one gallon of white vinegar, one cup of salt, and one tablespoon of eco dish soap, then stir until the salt dissolves. Transfer the solution to a spray bottle, then on a hot, dry day, spray the weed’s leaves and roots thoroughly.

There are some natural alternatives to RoundUp available on the market too. Check with your local hardware store and be sure to read the labels carefully and avoid anything containing glyphosate.

Melissa Cox is owner of Papamoa Pick Your Own Flowers, a garden offering affordable pick-your-own flowers for weddings, parties and special occasions. Learn more at: tinyurl.com/papamoaflowers