Organized For Weeding

A dandelion left to play,
spreads thousands for another day.

Today we are going to talk about a very practical kind of organization: organizing for weeding. I would like to suggest that an organized person (and/or family) can get at their weeding, do it faster, and keep it done much better than a person that approaches this task in a more casual manner.

May I suggest you gather all the hand tools you will need and put them in a container (with a handle) so that each and every time you go out into your yard to weed, you will have everything you need with you. I like a five-gallon plastic bucket the best, but any sturdy container will do. Gather or purchase a dandelion digger, a trowel, some good scissors, a pair of pruners, some nice grass clippers, some green tie tape, and some two-inch diameter x two-inch long pieces of PVC pipe (which have previously been cut by a willing helper). These pipe pieces are used to indicate where the morning glory is for when you or your spouse spray the next time.

In addition to this kit (which you will keep near the back door so it will be easy to go out and get at the work), you will also want to buy or find two very good pairs of gardening gloves. You will use one pair right now and keep one pair as a spare for those days when you can’t find the first pair or as replacements when a hole appears in your well-worn gloves. You will also want a straw hat that will keep your head, ears, and nose shaded, some sunscreen for the tip of your nose, and some knee pads or a good kneeling pad.

Review your assortment of larger tools such as the hoe, the rake, and the shovel. Drill a ¾” hole at the end of the tools’ handles, get some nails up on your garage wall, and have those tools also hanging conveniently near your door.

Finally, may I encourage you to divide your yard (front, back, and sides) into six specific areas. Then tackle the weeding in your yard in this order. In my particular yard, the left side is one day, the right side is another day, the front yard takes two days and the back yard takes two days. Once I have my weeds under control, a few minutes each workday morning keeps the yard looking great. This method focuses my attention on a small part of the yard and keeps the weeds from laughing at me. I know that yesterday I did Section One, and today I will go on to tackle Section Two. When I don’t get to the weeding for a day or two, I will begin with Section Three at the next opportunity.

With your weeding organized, you’ll soon be receiving the local “yard of beautification” award for you will have tackled, conquered, and otherwise managed to get your wedding done just as you desire.

Of course, you may want to set up a kit for your spouse, maybe your children and if you live with other adults or grandchildren, make them a little kit, too. There is something motivating about having some of your own personal tools to tackle yard work. In addition, remember that individual responsibility brings group success. So, if you have four children, maybe each of them could be in charge of one section of the yard this summer with you and your spouse each handling a section, too. This allows achievers to get their outside weeding work done and know where they are to begin and when they are finished. Of course, there will also be trimming bushes, mowing the lawn, and watering chores, but with the weeding assigned out, the yard can be kept in better shape with a little help from everyone.

Remember to organize your hand tools, larger tools, a good pair of gloves, a wonderful hat, sunscreen, and kneeling pad so you can carry the weeding bucket with one hand and the larger tools with the other wherever you are going to work. Good luck this summer and happy weeding!

Below is a specific list of these ideas, the needed tools, and the goals. Maybe you can tackle one project each day this next week and be well on your way to weedless summer.

Gather all hand tools into a kit: dandelion digger, trowel, scissors, pruners, clippers, green tie tape, 2” sawn PVC pipes to indicate where to spray for morning glory

Gather all comfort tools: Buy or find two good pairs of gloves (one to use and one as a spare), a straw hat, sunscreen, some kneepads or a kneeling pad

Gather all large tools: Hang all large tools near the back door after drilling holes at the tops of the handles and hammering some nails into your garage wall.

Divide the yard into six defined areas: or however many days of the week you will be available to weed

Tackle one area each day you are able to work outside (hopefully a little bit each day of the week)

©2009 Marie Calder Ricks/www.houseoforder.com