The best way to get rid of broad-leaf weeds is to prevent them from growing. Although broad-leaf weeds are stubborn they will always find a place to grow. If this happens, you have to make your move before they can occupy the vast majority of your garden area or backyard.

For broad-leaf weeds that are just starting to sprout, you do not need strong substances or herbicide sprays. One green solution is applying corn gluten over your yard. The corn gluten comes in yellow granules and can be purchased in any farm and garden store nearest you.

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Here are few other ways to eliminate  broad leaf weeds the eco-friendly way:

Pull them by hand

Although laborious, pulling by hand can be extremely effective because you are getting the weed from the root. If you have a large property, think of it as a form of exercise.  It will be very tempting to spray a variety of chemical solutions over the weeds, but this may have an effect on the soil and to your garden plants. Most of these chemicals are designed to destroy the leaves, stems, and roots of plants and not necessarily broad-leaf weeds only. It is safer and more effective to just pull them off one by one.

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Planting territorial plants

You may not know it but there are territorial plants that control and combat weeds from growing. These are plants that are very competitive in getting the nutrients of the soil that no weeds are able to grow around them. Plants like sweet Alyssum and flaxes can be planted to crowd out weeds. Also, allelopathic plant like sunflowers, Manzanita, and some sages secrete toxins that can suppress the growth of weeds.

You see, there are simple yet effective ways to get rid of weeds. Try these solutions and you will definitely have a weed-free yard. Try and keep up with mowing your lawn on a regular basis and using “weed and feed” eco-friendly fertilizer throughout the year too.

For more outdoor ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Did you know that there are common household items you have that can be used as a cleaning solution? Yes! These items are not only simple but effective cleaning agents. You can add a twist to your home cleaning experience when you try the all-natural cleaning solutions for your home.  Lemons, oils, and vinegar have 10 uses that I be you forgot can clean easily and effectively.

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Using Lemons

The acidic substance in lemon juice removes dirt, rusts and stains. It’s especially effective when mixed with salt. This makes an excellent scouring paste.

Use the lemon to clean the

• top of your table: Plunge the lemon in baking soda. Then, begin wiping on top of the table. Wipe it with a wet sponge and let it dry. Don’t use lemon on delicate stones like marble or stainless steel since this may cause color to fade.

• surface of your cutting boards: Use lemons to remove tough food stains from wood and plastic cutting boards.. Slice a lemon in half and squeeze on the stained surface. Rub and let it penetrate for 20 minutes before rinsing.

• plates and other dishes: To boost the grease-cutting power of your dishwashing detergent, add a teaspoon of lemon juice. It is very effective to remove oil on the dishes.
• palm: After you touch raw fish, the smell can stay on your fingers. Rub your hands with lemon juice and it will neutralize the odor.
• garbage disposal: Throw away lemon peels/rinds in garbage disposal to freshen the disposal.

Now we know the common use of lemons in your home. Lemons are not only used for cleanings but also it gives health benefits for humans.

Essential Oils

It is extracted from plants that is usually from its fruit. Some essential oils can neutralize bacteria and mold. They’re very strong.  These oils can clean:

• toilets:  Add two teaspoons tea-tree oil and 2 cups water in a spray bottle. Shake and spray along the toilet inside rim. Let it stay for 30 minutes and then scrub.
• glass doors: Wipe glass doors with a few drops of essential oil twice a month. It will protect them from grime build up.

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Vinegar

This acidic substance in vinegar wipes out tarnished, soap scum, mineral deposits, and many more. Among the natural cleaners, it’s one of the best. The distilled white vinegar creates an environment that stops the growth of mold and bacteria such as ecoli and salmonella that will be present in some parts of your house when not cleaned.

You can use vinegar as:

• dishwasher: To disinfect the interior of the machine, pour ½ cup vinegar into the basin and run an empty cycle. This will really clean the dishwasher machine. Just run the machine with only the presence of vinegar and that’s just enough for cleaning.
• floor tiles:  Add ¼ cup vinegar to a container of warm water to clean almost any type of floor except marble floors because vinegar can scratch it or wood.

• glassware: For clean hand-washed glasses, add 1 cup vinegar to the rinse water.

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Choosing natural cleaning can consume a little of your time but it will all be worth it. Natural cleaning solutions are safer than chemicals and that can make the difference in your home. Use these helpful tips to clean your home and save money while keeping your family healthy!

For more cleaning & maintenance tips on Stagetecture, click here.