Your Guide to Summer Gardening in Los Angeles
- Denise Summers
- Jun 17
- 4 min read
Transform your outdoor space into a lush oasis this summer! Learn to cultivate a thriving Southern California garden, create eco-friendly weed killers, and utilize the UC Master Gardening Program's expertise.
Summertime in Los Angeles offers the ideal urban escape, especially if you've got your own backyard to create, curate, and grow a beautiful garden. Whether you're a seasoned gardening pro or trying out your green thumb for the first time, there are a ton of tips and resources you can use to help make your garden truly thrive. So, let's dive in!
Sustainable Ways to Manage Weeds in Your Backyard
Summer gardening in Los Angeles often requires a persistent struggle against stubborn weeds. Although numerous commercial products tout rapid solutions, it is vital to consider their lasting impact on the environment and one's well-being. Embracing eco-friendly alternatives can not only promote a healthier garden but also contribute to the overall health of the local ecosystem.
The Problem with Roundup
Roundup, a widely recognized herbicide infused with glyphosate, is commonly used in agriculture and gardening. However, its application sparks serious concerns related to environmental health and safety:
Environmental Damage: Glyphosate can contaminate soil and water, harming beneficial insects, earthworms, and other wildlife.
Health Risks: Studies suggest potential links between glyphosate exposure and health issues, making it crucial to seek safer alternatives.
Weed Resistance: Overusing chemical herbicides can lead to the development of glyphosate-resistant weeds, which are harder to control in the long run.
Natural Weed Killing Recipe: A Better Solution with Dawn Soap, Vinegar and Salt
If you want to kill weeds without using harsh chemicals, try this natural recipe. A simple mix of Dawn dish soap, vinegar, and salt does the trick. It works by drying out the weeds and messing with their ability to hold onto water.
Here's why it's a better option than Roundup:
Eco-friendly: These ingredients are biodegradable and less harmful to the environment compared to chemical herbicides.
Safer for people and pets: Natural recipes reduce the risk of exposure to toxic chemicals.
Cost-effective: Ingredients like vinegar and salt are often readily available and affordable.
How it Works
Vinegar has acetic acid, which makes it a great natural weed killer since it dries out the weeds. Salt also helps by pulling moisture out of them, making them shrivel up. And Dawn dish soap? It acts like a helper, making sure the vinegar and salt spread out and stick to the weeds' leaves so they work even better.
Recipe and Application:
Combine ingredients: In a spray bottle, mix 1 gallon of white vinegar, 1 cup of salt, and 1 tablespoon of Dawn dish soap.
Spray thoroughly: Spray the solution on weeds, ensuring it coats all parts of the plant.
Repeat if needed: This homemade weed killer may require multiple applications, especially for tough weeds, to entirely eliminate them.
Here's a helpful video to walk you through the process!
Important Considerations:
Timing: Apply the solution on a warm, sunny day for best results.
Non-selective: This weed killer will kill any plants it comes into contact with, so be careful to avoid unwanted areas.
Soil impact: While effective, this solution can also negatively impact soil, so consider its use in areas where you want to maintain healthy plants.
Additional Sustainable Weed Management Tips:
Hand-pulling: For small infestations, hand-pulling weeds is an effective method, especially after rain when the soil is soft.
Mulching: Applying mulch around plants can suppress weed growth by blocking sunlight.
Ground covers: Planting dense ground covers can compete with weeds for resources, naturally reducing their spread.
By choosing sustainable weed management practices and natural solutions, you can safeguard your garden's ecosystem, protect your health, and promote a healthier environment.
Summer Gardening in Los Angeles with the UC Master Gardening Program
The University of California Master Gardener Program is a volunteer-based organization that extends research-based information about home horticulture and pest management to the public. Master Gardeners receive extensive training from University of California academics and experts, equipping them with knowledge on a wide range of gardening topics relevant to the Los Angeles climate and conditions.
What They Do
Master Gardeners share useful, research-backed information that helps clear up common gardening myths and misunderstandings. They offer fun workshops and classes on topics like composting, growing vegetables, and dealing with pests. If you have a specific gardening problem, you can reach out for help and get personalized answers through their helplines. Plus, to encourage sustainable gardening, they organize community events like garden tours and plant sales.
How Los Angeles Homeowners Can Utilize Their Tips and Resources
Boost your gardening skills by checking out workshops with the UC Master Gardener Program of Los Angeles County. Swing by their website for class schedules and hands-on activities. Reach out to the Master Gardener Help Line for personalized advice. They’ve also got online resources like fact sheets and videos. If you love gardening and want to give back, think about volunteering with them. Don’t forget to follow them on social media for the latest events and tips!
Let Sparkleyard Handle the Rest!
At Sparkleyard, we love bringing new life to your outdoor spaces! From fine tuning your gardener's work, to cleaning furniture, Sunbrella cushions, outdoor kitchens, grills, patios, or decks, we're here to help you restore the beauty of all your home's exteriors. Plus, we only use eco-friendly and non-toxic cleaning products to promote a healthy, happy (and sparkly!) environment for everyone, including kids, pets and plants.
Let Sparkleyard help you create a warm and inviting atmosphere for relaxation and entertaining with family and friends! Don't hesitate to reach out today to discover how we can transform your outdoor living spaces.
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