It’s only the second year I’ve had to do upkeep for gardens in my life and I am ready to throw in the towel.
The front and back gardens at the townhome I rent are small but boy do they require me to spent a hefty amount of time and physical/mental energy attempting to keep them looking half decent. Unfortunately I don’t seem to have any photos of them when they’ve been covered in weeds or I would share. I am just one person struggling with autism/ADHD and I love gardening, but I have pretty bad arthritis and a severe fear of bugs that makes it hard to be out there managing things. I also have a degree in environmental science and from that I am committed to native gardening and protecting wildlife (including the bugs I am afraid) of and the unseen but vital inhabitants of this soil.
Is there anything I can do to have a more successful growing season? I am desperate for help because I have our HOA breathing down my neck every year and it’s all so frustrating.
Thank you so much if you have suggestions..
by Corvideris
3 Comments
Given the arthritis & fear of bugs, you might want to consider a [Grampa’s Weeder](https://youtu.be/6MBVsx2-jSE?si=agtajM824W5Aut-V). It’s super easy to use & you don’t have to be in the dirt on your hands and knees. It works best when the weeds are small-ish, but I’ve pulled out some fairly big ones with it. It works especially well on stuff that has a tap root (like thistle).
You could try pre-emergent. It won’t hurt the perennials, but will prevent all seeds from germinating. Just shake some over the ground before mulching (or after, but you’ll see the pellets). It’s generally considered safe for wildlife. You’ll still have to hand pick any weeds that have already germinated though.
Is the unknown plant Coreopsis verticillata?