While some weeds can benefit wildlife, it can be frustrating when unwanted plants start appearing in flower beds despite your best efforts to keep them at bay.
The good news is there’s a simple household item that can stop weeds in their tracks, without the need for digging, spraying or pulling them up by hand.
Working as a weed suppressant, old cardboard boxes laid flat over the soil prevent light from reaching weed seeds and existing plants, causing them to weaken and die off.
Cardboard can also help the soil retain moisture for longer, reducing the need for watering during dry spells.
“Preventing weeds from germinating doesn’t require chemicals or lots of effort — simple things like covering bare soil with mulch or cardboard, avoiding unnecessary digging and lightly hoeing on dry days can make a big difference in how many weeds you see,” says Chris Bonnett, founder of Gardening Express.
Maria Sbytova – Getty Images
“Cardboard is an effective way to block light from reaching weeds. Simply lay some cardboard down and cover it with compost, straw or wood chippings to keep it in place. It also makes the area look better as opposed to having cardboard visible in the garden. As it decomposes, it can also nourish the soil.”
Similar to cardboard, another clever way to suppress weeds is by mulching your flower beds.
Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres, says: “Mulching is one of the best things you can do in spring, and it really is straightforward. Spread a thick layer of about 5 to 7 centimetres of bark chippings, garden compost, or wood chips over your beds and borders. This blocks the light that weed seeds need to grow, and it keeps moisture in the soil too.”
Try these simple tricks for a weed-free garden in no time.
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