Hey everyone! I'm really struggling with my garden this year (I'm in zone 5). So far, the only things sprouting are watermelon and squash, while the rest of my bed seems to be overtaken by weeds. I've managed to pull some weeds, but with the heat rising, it's turning into a marathon out there, and I'm getting dehydrated. I definitely want to keep going since I have seedlings waiting to go in, but I'm feeling really overwhelmed. I might consider raised beds next year, but I'm on a tight budget and need some DIY advice. Any suggestions for making weeding easier without using chemicals?
6 Answers
I hear you about this season being tough; I've lost some crops to the heat waves too. Just hang in there and learn from this season—it’ll get better next year! Keep trying!
I have a small garden area that I let go—just put down some durable cardboard and cover it with mulch! It’s low-maintenance and helps with weeds too. Plus, remember, weeds can be useful sometimes!
Hey, don’t be too hard on yourself! Gardening is tough, especially with unpredictable weather. If your bed is large, consider just working on it bit by bit—maybe 30 minutes a day? Also, mulching with straw or bark can help keep the weeds down. Trust me, it will save you time in the long run!
My garden is 20x20 feet, so I get the struggle!
There are creative ways to build your own raised beds without breaking the bank! Look at using repurposed materials or simple wood frames with soil; it doesn't have to be fancy.
Don’t give up! This is my first year gardening too, and I've learned that patience is key. Some of my seedlings took forever to sprout. It’s a weird weather year, so I think we're all feeling the strain!
If you want to make weeding easier, definitely check out a stirrup hoe! It’s a game changer. I grow directly in the ground too and wouldn’t switch to raised beds; they can be a hassle depending on your soil. Plus, you'll still need to weed those!
But raised beds can be great if you have tough soil like clay. My raised beds are doing fantastic thanks to good compost.
I prefer using mulch; once I started, my weeding time dropped dramatically!
I totally agree! I have a huge garden too, and I take it one section at a time. It might take a while to finish weeding, but it’s so worth it in the end!