Top 5 tips to get rid of weeds

These top 5 tips to get rid of weeds will help you to manage the weeds in your garden allowing your cultivated plants to thrive. The question is, ‘what is a weed?’ Weeds are plants growing in a place you don’t want. These plants probably have the ability to take over or self-seed readily. We’ve put together our top 5 ways to control weeds in your garden. 

1. Learn to live with them 

On top of the list is simply accepting that weeds are part of gardening and that many are beneficial to wildlife and even you. Dandelion, for example, is a plant high in nutritional and medicinal value, and all parts of the plant are edible. Dandelions are an early nectar source for bees too. Chickweed is edible, as are nettles (after boiling and straining), and both are great for wildlife. So allowing some weeds to grow won’t hurt your garden.

2. Keep on pulling them up 

It might seem frustrating, but the most environmentally friendly way to remove weeds is to keep on removing them and putting them on the compost pile. The more you pull, the weaker the weed will become, and even the most tenacious weeds can eventually give up. Small annual weeds can be removed using a hoe. 

3. Plant densely 

Suppose you don’t like the idea of bare soil being filled up with weeds. Plant in it instead. The more plants you add to your beds and borders, the fewer chances weeds will get to grow. Cover crops, ample foliage, and carefully designed full borders can do just the trick to get rid of weeds. Besides, it’s another great excuse for having more plants in your garden. 

4. Mulch the soil 

Mulch is a perfect option not just to replenish your soil and feed your plants, but a good deep layer of mulch on the surface will block out light and stop weeds from growing in their tracks. Mulching is ideal for both vegetable and ornamental gardens. Add some cardboard first before you mulch, and that’s even better.

5. Other options

There are many other options, including using an organic weed killer specifically designed to either be applied into the soil, onto the plant or as instructions say. You could try pouring vinegar directly onto weeds to make them shrivel up. Burning weeds is possible, or try layering newspaper on the ground around your plants. Remember not to get your plants involved, as any of these could also kill the plants you want to keep. 

Visit us in store for tools and options to rid your garden of weeds.