Gardening experts have revealed how to remove weeds from the garden (Image: Getty)
Weeds are one of the most annoying things a gardener has to deal with. No matter the season, they can constantly crop up, and before you know it, they’ve overtaken the entire space. With this in mind, I’ve asked a number of gardening pros for the best way to remove weeds from the garden and prevent them from returning.
Speaking to Express.co.uk, sustainable gardening expert Robert Witcomb from eComposite Products, explains: “Weeds are persistent because they exploit bare soil and disruption, so the most effective removal strategies focus not just on killing weeds, but on preventing their return. For small gardens, manual removal remains one of the most reliable methods, especially when weeds are pulled out completely by the root after rainfall, when the soil is softer.”
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However, while this removes the weeds, it doesn’t prevent them from returning, making mulching afterwards a necessity. “Mulching is one of the most underrated tools: organic mulches suppress light, retain moisture, and gradually improve soil health, making conditions less favourable for weeds,” adds Robert.
Similarly, Loren Taylor, owner of Soothing Company, says: “One of the best ways to get rid of weeds is to pull them out with your hand. That is easier to do after rain because then the soil is softer and the root comes out more easily. You must pull out the entire weed including the root because otherwise it will grow again.
“For deep weeds we use a small garden knife to get under the roots, and so we do not damage other plants. Also we like to lightly dig the soil between plants once a week so that new weeds do not grow.”
Mulching can help prevent weeds from returning (Image: Getty)
Echoing the importance of mulching after weeding, Loren added: “After you pull the weeds, you cover the soil with mulch. Mulch is material like shredded bark and wood or little pieces of wood that are placed around the plants.
“It blocks sunlight so that new weeds cannot grow and helps the soil stay moist. Usually we put a layer of mulch five to seven cm thick and change it once a year. In places where there are plants, like flower beds, we use mulch with special fabric underneath to additionally prevent weed growth.”
And, Stephanie Harrod, founder of Harrod Horticultural, says: ” When weeds do appear, hand removal remains one of the most reliable methods. Weeds are easiest to pull after rainfall, when the soil is loose and roots come out cleanly. It’s important to remove the entire root, particularly with perennial weeds, otherwise they will quickly return.”
However, there are other solutions for long-term weeding. As Erik Collado Vidal, an experienced horticulturalist, cultivation industry expert, and CEO of Growbarato.net notes: “One of the simplest ways to fight weeds is by using vinegar.
“Vinegar acts as a natural herbicide because it dries out the leaves and destroys plant cells. It should be sprayed on a sunny day, directly onto the weeds. It is important not to spray surrounding plants, because vinegar does not choose what it destroys. This method should also not be used often in vegetable gardens, as it can affect soil quality.”
Similarly, Robert Witcomb adds: “Chemical weedkillers can be effective, but they should be used cautiously. Overuse can damage surrounding plants, harm soil biodiversity, and create long-term resistance. Boiling water or vinegar-based solutions can work on driveways and patios, but they’re far less suitable for lawns or planted beds where collateral damage is likely.”
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