Natural ways to weed your garden

The presence of weeds in your garden are inevitable. In order for your plants to thrive, weeds need to be ousted. There are some gardeners who abhor the weed, others see it as a more meditative task.

"Every time you water the garden you also water the weeds”
​- The Waifs, Fourth Floor

---

5 Common Approaches

---

• By Hand
• Mulch
• Vinegar
• Boiling Water
• Weed Mat

<

>

Weeding by hand is the most effective solution to removing unwanted garden invaders. Get your hands dirty and use a claw or sharp trowel to loosen the weed roots. Once loosened, hold them by the base and firmly pull them out. Removing weeds completely with their roots ensures they won’t grow again.
At the same time you’ll want to be careful not to transfer seeds. Some weeds such as Cardamine hirsuta, known as hairy bittercress or flick weed, flick off their seeds when touched, spreading them far from the parent plant.
​The best time to pull weeds is when the soil is damp and soft as they come out easier than when it’s dry.

Mulch doesn’t necessarily kill weeds directly it is more of a preventive technique. Mulch works as a protective barrier to block the sun from any weed seeds that may be hiding in the soil. When done correctly, you will save precious garden time which you can then spend on nurturing your plants. Be sure to remove any existing weeds before adding your mulch as smothering them won’t work, they will grow through it. Mulch comes in a few different forms...

​Bark is a common form of mulch because it’s not only low maintenance, it’s also long-lasting. If you transplant your plants often then bark probably won’t suit you as it can make it more difficult to move the plant without interrupting the soil in the process.

---

​Grass Clippings are a great way to recycle lawn cuttings. This sustainable method of mulch adds an organic layer to a garden. However, it is quick to decompose so it requires constant topping up to ensure the sun doesn’t have a chance to get in. It’s worth noting that clippings are not effective for mulch if the grass has been treated with herbicides or chemical fertilisers.

---

​Straw or Hay as a form of mulch is another great way to add an organic layer and stop weeds. This material is especially effective at retaining moisture in the soil so your plants can grow healthy. Ensure your straw or hay is good quality and weed-free.

---

It’s important to avoid layering mulch too high, about 8cm is fine, too much height will invite slugs and rodents. Mulch done right will both retain moisture in your soil while breaking down and enriching it at the same time.

As a fast resulting weed control method, vinegar affordable and natural as it is usually derived from the grain, apples or grapes that are distilled through fermentation. It contains acetic acid which is what makes it so effective.
Mix 3 litres of white vinegar with  ¾ cup of salt and 1 tablespoon of dishwashing soap (this works to adhere the vinegar and salt to weeds more efficiently). Once mixed thoroughly, funnel the concoction into a spray bottle. Apply to your weeds on a dry, sunny day. Over the next couple of days you’ll notice them die off. Be careful where you spray as vinegar will kill everything it touches.

Boiling water is extremely effective at killing weeds. Poured straight from the kettle and onto the weed will scald them instantly. This may take a couple of tries, but eventually the weed will stop returning.

Weed mats serve as a layer to prevent weed growth and allow air to circulate through the soil. To avoid the use of plastic products in your garden you can choose natural materials that are more environmentally friendly. Wool matting options reduce stress on plants by staying damp for a longer period of time and restricting evaporation. This eco-friendly option also decomposes as the plants mature and grow over it. Installing weed mats on a sloping site is particularly effective for stabilising soil and reducing erosion.
​If you’re in need of some landscaping help beyond this gardening guide, get in contact with Sculptural Landscapes. We have many creative solutions for a wide range of landscaping needs – be it lawns, planting, paving & pathways, decking, retaining walls, fencing, stonework or maintenance.

---