I’m a gardening expert – there’s an all-natural way to keep weeds out of your garden using a $2 item & it’s so easy
KEEPING weeds at bay while allowing your garden plants to reach their full potential is a tricky balancing act.
But it doesn't require harsh chemicals or expensive treatments – just an all-natural product you can obtain for pennies.
According to horticulturists and plant professionals, all-natural straw is one of the most effective tools to bring into your garden.
You don't need to buy a whole bale – you can typically buy smaller bundles at your local farm store for upwards of $2.
Some hardware stores even sell pre-portioned bags made for gardens, which can cost closer to $15 but can be found on the shelves or online.
"Straw in the garden is best used like a mulch," horticulture expert Eric De Boer told .
The material acts "as a barrier to protect from weed germination and to also help shield the soil from the sun to increase the soil's water retention."
Other plant experts told the outlet that using straw in the garden has countless benefits that preserve the longevity of your plants.
"'Straw is a natural weed suppressor. It will help keep weeds from growing in the garden while also conserving moisture," said Brody Hall, a certified horticulturist and land manager from The Indoor Nursery.
"Mulching with straw is a great way to keep the soil moist and cool, and it helps to reduce erosion," added Lindsey Hyland, founder of Urban Organic Yield.
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"You can also use it as an amendment to the soil by mixing it in to help improve the moisture retention and nutrient content," Hyland said.
That's because straw supports beneficial, soil-borne bacteria, which will work their magic on your plants overnight.
"These bacteria, often protozoa, are important for breaking down organic matter in the soil – to create a healthy environment for plants to grow in," Hall added.
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You can use a garden trowel to break up your bag of straw and spread it around the garden.
Keep the straw between rows of plants in your garden. It needs to stay near the roots, away from stems or leaves, to act as an effective mulch.
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