I have to say I have never been a keen gardener but I am spending more time in the garden these days. I think for years I was running around after the kids on the weekends and garden became something of a chore to look after. But even though I have more time now I still don’t want to spend too much time on the mundane jobs so I have learnt a trick or two to make tasks like weeding a little easier. I have also picked up a few recipes using Essential Oils for healthier bug and weed management.

I could have called this post ‘Hacks’s for easier gardening’ but then thought – my methods are not hacks, they are just healthier ways to get the job done.

Tip 1: Hot Water Weeding

This is just what it sounds like. I boil the kettle, take it outside and pour it on the weeds. Of course this method is not suitable for the weeds that are actually growing in the garden! But it works a treat when the weeds are growing on hard surfaces or between pavers. We have quite a long paved path down the side of our house and if left for too long the weeds become unsightly. So every few weeks I spend about 20 minutes boiling kettles and weeding. Within 24-48 hours they are brown and shrivelled. I just leave them like that but you may prefer to pull them out. I have the before and after pictures for you below. The after is a few days later!!

 

Tip 2: Weeding with Essential Oils

This tip is a healthy one too. You will need a 500ml spray bottle ( I use a plastic one because I am not keen on carrying a glass bottle around the garden but you might be OK with that). Fill the bottle 3/4 full with vinegar, add in 20-30 drops of Peppermint Oil and fill the bottle to the top with cooled, boiled water. Put the lid/sprayer on, shake and spray the weeds. Don’t forget the label.

I use this on the weeds that grow in the grass. It kills the weeds but not the grass. I have found that it doesn’t kill all weeds but its worth experimenting with. Don’t use it if you have pets.

Tip 3: Garden Bug Spray with Essential Oils

This is probably one of my favourite mixes. I really don’t like using commercial sprays for the garden particularly if I am having trouble with bugs on my herbs or fruit trees. There is no residual effect so you have to actually spray the bug but it will kill lots of bugs. Be careful not to kill the bees!

The mix is based on Castile soap. You will need a 500 ml spray bottle. Fill to about 1/4 full with Castile soap and add 15-20 drops each of Lavender Oil, Wild Orange Oil, Cedarwood Oil and Peppermint. Fill the bottle to the top with cooled, boiled water. Put the lid/sprayer on, shake and spray the weeds. Don’t forget the label. You definitely don’t want to get this one confused with the Weeding Spray!

Tip 4: Bug Spray for You

If you are bothered by the bugs when you are working in the garden or just taking a five minute snooze under a tree you might want to use this personal bug spray. You will need a spray bottle- I use a 200 ml glass one for this. Add 1 /4 cup of Witch Hazel and 1/4 cup of vodka to the bottle and add in 10 drops each of Cedarwood Oil, Peppermint Oil, Lavender Oil and 30 drops of Outdoor blend (a repellent blend) – I use doTERRA essential oils. Put the lid/sprayer on, shake and spray over your exposed skin. Don’t forget the label.

I have mentioned a few ingredients in this post that you may not have heard of before. I explained many of these in a previous post so you know where to find them.

What Next?

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Until next time,

Gillian (and Andrew)