As signs of spring inspire you to go outside, you might see a little green carpet of weeds covering our garden soil. But Metro Natural Gardening Specialist Carl Grimm says don’t despair, there are easy things you can do right now to prevent them without poisons.

First take your weed killers to a free Metro hazardous waste drop off
Weed and feed and other weed killers contain hazardous chemicals that put your kids and pets at risk. Fortunately, Metro offers free drop off facilities in Oregon City and Portland for residents of the whole metro region.

Use tools, not toxics
There is a perfect tool for every weeding job, and no need for toxic weed killers. Hoola hoes and delta hoes are great for gravel and mulch paths. Dandelion pullers and thatch rakes are great for lawns. Hori-hori knives and Japanese hand tools are great for flower and veggie beds. All of them make for excellent exercise.

Mulch! Mulch! Mulch! For the ultimate weed prevention
Nothing beats a layer of mulch for saving time and trouble weeding later. Plus if you pick an organic mulch like compost or wood chips, you get free fertilizer slowly released as they break down. Mulches also provide habitat for useful soil organisms like worms, who feed the soil and the songbirds.

To learn more about nontoxic and natural gardening, call Metro Recycling Information at 503-234-3000 for a free copy of Grow Smart Grow Safe