Stinging nettles aren’t the most pleasant weeds out there – the clue is in the name – but should you actually get rid of nettles in the garden?

Well, before you start researching the best ways to remove nettles, it’s worth learning about the wildlife benefits they have to offer. Sure, most weeds have their biodiversity merits – but according to experts, nettles cater to one pollinator in particular: butterflies.

I even spotted nettles in an award-winning show garden at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show – so it’s safe to say they’re becoming recognised as a star of the show rather than a background character (or worse, something to banish entirely). If you’ve been wondering if you should get rid of nettles in your garden, take a look at what the experts say first.

When we talk about the weeds we should leave in a garden, it’s usually flowering types like clover and dandelions that get the spotlight. Bees adore them, obviously – but butterflies are crucial pollinators, too, and there’s one weed that they love even more.

Enter, nettles – the unsung heroes of the UK’s butterfly population. According to Morris Hankinson, managing director at Hopes Grove Nurseries, red admirals are especially fond of nettles.

‘The red admiral is a bold black and red migratory butterfly which lays its eggs mostly on stinging nettles, which is why it is so important to let some of your garden grow a little more wild,’ he says. ‘Leaving a patch of nettles provides breeding and feeding habitats for caterpillars.’

The wild garden trend was huge at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show, and Sarah Eberle, designer of The Campaign to Protect Rural England Garden: On the Edge (RHS Chelsea Garden of the Year), told me that over 40 species of invertebrates are supported by nettles. It’s no surprise, then, that the award-winning garden featured nettles in its planting scheme.

Nettles are best grown in moderation, though. They can be a safety hazard, thanks to their tendency to sting, and they can also be a job to control.

‘Nettles are aggressive growers, capable of spreading rapidly if left unmanaged, leading many homeowners to consider their removal as the most straightforward option for maintaining a tidy, low-maintenance garden,’ explains horticulture expert and The Plant Pod host Ross Dyke.

That said, Ross is very much in favour of leaving a small patch of nettles to support wildlife.

‘Rather than viewing them purely as a pest, some gardeners will adopt a more nuanced approach by managing nettles instead of eradicating them through complete removal,’ he says. ‘For instance, you might consider designating a specific corner of your garden to contain a patch of nettles. This strategy allows you to enjoy their benefits, such as supporting wildlife and enriching the soil, without allowing them to dominate your garden space or detract from its overall appearance.’

It's worth leaving out hydration stations like these bee watering stations from Amazon to look after pollinators in hot weather, too. The long stakes can be poked into a garden border or bed.

Ross also mentioned that you can harvest nettle leaves (wearing a good pair of gardening gloves, of course!) and make your own nutrient-rich fertiliser: ‘nettle tea;

‘This organic fertiliser is highly praised among gardeners for its ability to promote healthy plant growth and enhance soil fertility, making it a valuable tool for those who practice organic gardening techniques,’ Ross says.

Other ways to support butterflies

It's worth keeping a patch of nettles in your garden if you want to support the butterflies, or make your own fertiliser. Just be wary of pets and children!

There's nothing quite like looking out over a lush, green lawn in summer. Unfortunately, many of us find ourselves staring at a patchwork of grass and weeds instead, wondering where it all went wrong.

If your lawn seems to have been taken over by dandelions, plantains, clover or other unwanted visitors, you're certainly not alone. Weeds are opportunistic and will quickly move into any gaps or weaknesses in your lawn care calendar, especially after periods of drought, heavy rain or neglect. Weeding is also a wise move if you're trying to keep your lawn alive during this week's heatwave, since they're more likely to take over your grass right now. Although it is worth remembering that not all weeds are entirely unwanted; many can actually play a valuable role in supporting pollinators and improving biodiversity while your lawn is recovering (hence the No Mow May movement).

The good news is that a weedy lawn doesn't necessarily mean you need to start from scratch. In most cases, even lawns that look beyond saving can be revived with a little time and a few smart lawn care tips.

How to recover your lawn if weeds have taken over

Understanding why weeds appear in your lawn in the first place can help prevent them from returning. Thin, patchy grass, for example, creates the perfect opportunity for weed seeds to germinate, while compacted soil, poor drainage and inconsistent maintenance can all exacerbate the problem in an incredibly persistent way.

That's why lawn experts often recommend you take care of your grass throughout the year, not just when weeds are popping up. Seasonal tasks such as feeding, scarifying, aerating and mowing at the correct height all help create stronger, healthier grass that is naturally better at resisting weed invasion.

So, if you want to recover your lawn if weeds have taken over, the key thing to remember is this: weed control isn't just about removing the weeds you can see. Long-term success comes from improving the overall health of your lawn so that grass can outcompete unwanted plants and reclaim its space naturally.

1. Identify the weeds

Not every weed is the same. 'Identifying what is growing in your lawn will help determine the most effective control method. Dandelions, clover and daisies, for example, are actually very beneficial for pollinators, especially early in the season, so it can be helpful to leave them, or at least for as long as possible in spring,' says Morris Hankinson, director of Hopes Grove Nurseries.

'Moss in a lawn generally means it is damp and shady, which may mean it could be tricky to grow grass in that place anyway, so leaving the moss might be a good idea,' he adds.

2. Focus on building a healthier lawn

According to Peter Chaloner, Managing Director of Cobra Garden Machinery, the most effective weed prevention strategy starts with improving the health of your grass.

'The best defence against weeds is a healthy, thriving lawn,' says Peter. 'Thick, vigorous grass naturally outcompetes weeds for light, water and nutrients, leaving little room for unwanted plants to establish themselves.'

He explains that regular mowing, feeding, scarifying and aerating all play an important role in strengthening your lawn and making it more resistant to future weed problems.

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2. Remove established weeds first

Before you can restore your lawn, you'll need to tackle any established weeds that have already gained a foothold.

'If weeds have already taken over, however, start by removing larger ones by hand or using a suitable lawn weed treatment (like Miracle-Gro's complete 4-in-1, £10 at Amazon), taking care to follow the manufacturer's instructions,' advises Peter.

Hand removal can be particularly effective for larger weeds, especially if you can remove the entire root system. This prevents the plant from quickly re-establishing itself and reduces the likelihood of regrowth.

'When I’m dealing with weeds that have properly rooted into a lawn, I prefer to get hands-on with a hori hori knife,' says Chris O’Donoghue, Director of Gardens Revived. Spear & Jackson's Hori Hori knife, £16.90 at Amazon, is razor-sharp and great for getting right to the root.

'It lets me work down alongside the root and lift the whole plant cleanly, rather than just pulling the top growth and leaving it to come back,' adds Christopher. 'It’s slower than spraying, but it gives a much cleaner result and means fewer gaps are left behind for new weeds to move into.'

You could also try the Niwaki hori hori with pouch from Crocus if you want to try this method for yourself.

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3. Don't ignore bare patches

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when trying to recover a lawn after weeds have taken over is leaving behind empty spaces.

Once weeds are removed, those bare patches can quickly become an open invitation for more unwanted plants. Peter recommends overseeding any damaged areas as soon as possible to encourage fresh grass growth.

Combining overseeding with a quality lawn feed, like Garden Lawncare Guy's dark green lawn feed, from £13.99 at Amazon, can help young grass establish more quickly, allowing it to fill gaps and create a denser lawn that naturally suppresses weeds.

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4. Stick to a consistent mowing routine

Regular mowing isn't just about keeping your lawn looking tidy. It's also an important part of figuring out how to recover your lawn after weeds have taken over.

After repairing damaged areas, Peter advises maintaining a consistent mowing schedule to encourage healthy grass growth.

When grass is cut regularly at the appropriate height, it becomes thicker and more vigorous, helping it compete more effectively against weeds. Just avoid cutting too short, as this can weaken the lawn and create opportunities for weeds to return.

5. Deal with stubborn weeds properly

Some weeds require a little more persistence than others. Dandelions, in particular, are notorious for reappearing.

'Many weed control methods offer only a short-term fix, so it's important to address the underlying health of the lawn to prevent regrowth,' says Peter.

'Dandelions, for example, thrive in thin or patchy grass and have deep roots, meaning simply mowing them won't solve the problem. Removing the entire root with a hand tool is often the most effective approach, although any holes left behind should be reseeded.'

While weedkillers can be effective when used correctly, they can cause enormous problems for local wildlife, not to mention damage to surrounding grass. Best to avoid, wherever possible.

FAQs

It can be tempting to look for a quick fix when trying to recover your lawn after weeds have taken over, but lasting results rarely happen overnight.

'With patience and ongoing care, a healthy lawn will gradually fill out, helping to prevent weeds from returning and restoring a dense, green finish,' promises Peter.

Rather than viewing weed removal as a one-off task, then, we say to think of it as part of a broader lawn care routine. Because, by focusing on soil health, regular maintenance and encouraging strong grass growth, you'll create the kind of lawn that's naturally better equipped to keep weeds at bay for years to come.

I always thought weeding the lawn was a boring, strenuous task, but then I got my hands on the GARDENA Weed Puller – and it swiftly proved me wrong.

If you’re looking for ways to get rid of weeds in your lawn, I can’t recommend this tool enough. It’s a robust, long-handled weed puller that’s super easy to use, and it targets stubborn, tap-rooted weeds like dandelions right at the root, removing the entire thing in one swoop. At £40 from B&Q, it’s a little pricier than other weed pullers out there, but having tried it in my own garden, I’d absolutely pay more for a durable piece of kit that makes light work of tough weeds.

My lawn was covered in weeds, and it’s really hard and compacted, so I thought it was going to be a long road to tackling them all – but the GARDENA Weed Puller halved the amount of time I expected it to take, and actually made the task really fun.

If I had to rank garden tools by ease of use, I think I’d put the GARDENA Weed Puller in S tier. It’s a simple design: long, with a comfortable handle grip on the end, and light enough to use comfortably over longer sessions.

What struck me, though, is that those ‘longer’ weeding sessions weren’t that long at all. The weed puller is really easy to use – you simply push the sharp end of the tool over the centre of the weed, using the footrest to push it in as far as you can, and then twist the handle 180 degrees before pulling the tool (and the weed) out from the lawn. I thought it would be tricky to dig the blades all the way in because my lawn is so dry and in need of revival, but they’re so sharp that it didn’t take nearly as much effort as I expected.

There’s also a built-in ejector mechanism that you simply slide to push and release the weed from the weed puller. It’s so easy to use and allows you to quickly clear each weed before tackling the next.

The GARDENA weed puller successfully retrieved each weed (in its entirety – tap root and all!) 99% of the time. The other 1% was just down to my positioning the weed puller wrong, so it’s a really accurate tool. I had some huge dandelions in my lawn, but it was no more difficult to remove those than the smaller weeds out there. It’s also really satisfying to pull the whole root system out of the soil, rather than pluck the leaves from the surface like other weeding tools tend to do.

The only thing that alarmed me, at first, was the holes the weed puller leaves in its wake. They’re sizeable enough to notice, especially once they’ve removed larger weeds – but I like to think of it as a form of lawn aeration (which my compacted lawn absolutely needs!)

Reviewers agree that the GARDENA Weed Puller ‘makes weeding the lawn so much easier,’ with another noting that it’s ‘an amazing back saver and so efficient and quick.’ One reviewer mentioned that it can ‘get into the hardest soil,’ too, which I can vouch for, because my lawn is dry, hard, and stony in places.

Other weeding tools we rate

The GARDENA weed puller is well worth the investment if you're looking for a robust weeding tool that can tackle even the stubbornest weeds in your lawn.

I know all too well that keeping on top of weeds can be a never-ending battle, especially at this time of year when warm temperatures and regular rainfall create the perfect conditions for plants to thrive and some of the unwanted ones too.

Over the years, through maintaining my own garden and writing about gardening for a living, I've noticed that the tidiest gardens tend to have the same things in common.

So if you're wondering how to get rid of weeds naturally or looking for ways to kill them off, these are the five things I believe every weed-free garden has, from the right weeding tools to clever planting tricks that leave little room for unwanted growth.

1. The right weeding tools

Not all weeds are created equal, so gardeners can't rely on a one-size-fits-all approach to weeding flower beds, patios, and lawns.

From long-rooted dandelions to sprawling ground ivy, having the right weeding tool for the job makes removing weeds far easier and helps prevent them from returning.

Hand forks like Kent & Stowe's, £8.95 at Amazon, daisy grubbers like Spear & Jackson's tool, £8.56 at Amazon, stand-up weed pullers (you'll not need to bend with this weed puller, £25.99 from Amazon) and stirrup hoes (this stirrup hoe and cultivator, £19.99 at Amazon, gets my vote) all have their place, depending on where the weeds are growing and how established they are.

2. A pressure washer

Weeds don't just appear in borders. Patio joints, paving, and driveways are some of the biggest problem areas, and a pressure washer is often the secret weapon to have close to hand, not just to blast away patio and pathway grime but to target weeds too.

Used regularly, a pressure washer can blast away young weeds, moss and debris before they become more established, and helps keep hard landscaping looking spotless throughout the growing season. I've got the Nilfisk Excellent 160-10 PA pressure washer, £310 at Amazon, which works wonders on all surfaces.

3. Plants that fill every gap

One of the easiest ways to reduce weeds is to leave weeds with nowhere to grow! Gardeners with tidy, low-maintenance borders often use ground cover plants and densely planted schemes to shade the soil surface, making it so much harder for weeds to take hold.

Plants such as hardy geraniums (I've got Geranium endressii, from £14.99 at Thompson & Morgan in my garden), creeping phlox and ajuga (Ajuga reptans 'Catlin's giant', from £7.99 at Crocus is a beauty) naturally suppress weed growth by blocking sunlight from reaching weed sprouts.

4. Mulched borders

Mulch is one of the hardest-working materials in any garden, and its ability to suppress weed growth is high on the list of benefits. A layer of bark, compost or well-rotted manure helps suppress weed germination, retain moisture and improve soil health all at the same time.

It's a simple job that can make a dramatic difference to the amount of weeding required throughout the season, and one I am fully on board with. At the minute I'm laying down RocketGro's Magic Mulch, £18.99 from Amazon, in my planters and have also been laying bark in wider areas as it's more budget-friendly, like Westland's chipped bark, £13.40 from Amazon.

5. Gravel and membrane where it matters

For paths, seating areas and other non-planted spaces, gravel paired with a quality landscape membrane can significantly reduce weed growth.

While gravel is often associated with paths, I've found it's just as useful in certain borders and is particularly effective around drought-tolerant plants like lavender, rosemary and salvias, where gravel helps improve drainage.

A layer of gravel laid over landscaping membrane (I've used newspaper and cardboard in the past) can help suppress weeds, retain moisture and give planting schemes a neat, finished look. While the odd weed may still appear from wind-blown seeds landing on the surface, this combination helps stop persistent weeds from emerging from below, making them easier to remove.

While weeds will always find a way to appear from time to time (ahem, herb robert), these are the five essentials I think make the biggest difference in the battle against them.

Whether you're tackling weedy borders or trying to clear patios and paths, a combination of smart tools and planting will keep those weeds in check.

The warm weather has seen everything in my garden take on a sudden growth spurt. And while it’s lovely seeing all the flowers and plants come into bloom, unfortunately, the weeds seem to be growing at full speed, too.

While it’s tempting to jump in and yank weeds out as you spot them, different weeds require different tools depending on their type and location and knowing which gardening tools to use on which weed is the secret to success when it comes to the battle against them.

‘Weeding is most effective when you match the tool or method to both the type of weed and the area you’re working in,’ says Mark Hewett, Divisional Sales Manager for Garden Tools & Accessories at Wilkinson Sword and Town & Country. ‘When it comes to how to get rid of weeds, different weeds have different root systems – from shallow, surface-rooted invaders like daisies and moss, to deeper tap-rooted weeds such as dandelions – so using the right approach and tool makes removal quicker, more effective and far less disruptive to surrounding plants.’

1. Keep on top by weeding little and often

‘The key to successful weeding is consistency,’ says Mark. ‘Tackling weeds little and often prevents them from establishing strong root systems, making them much easier to remove and a speedier way to get rid of weeds.'

‘It’s also best to weed after rain or watering, when the soil is softer, and roots can be lifted more cleanly. Wherever possible, aim to remove weeds at the root rather than just cutting them back (which is a classic weeding mistake), as removing the root will help prevent regrowth.’

2. Tackle deep-rooted weeds

‘For weeds with deeper tap roots, such as dandelions or dock, it’s recommended to use tools that can get underneath and lift the root system,’ advises Mark. ‘A weed grubber, like this Carbon steel weed grubber, £6.99, Wilkinson Sword, is ideal for this, as its leverage design helps pry out weeds cleanly from lawns and borders, removing the root as well as the foliage.’

‘For more precise work in crowded flower beds, a weeding knife is particularly effective. It’s narrow blade allows gardeners to target individual weeds in tight spaces, making it especially useful around delicate planting where accuracy is important. It can also double up as a planting tool for bulbs and seedlings.’

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3. Clear surface weeds and lawns more easily

‘For shallow-rooted weeds, such as daisies, or to get rid of weeds spreading across lawns and borders, surface-level tools are often the most efficient,’ advises Mark.

‘A long-handled tool, like this stainless steel Dutch hoe, £34.99, Wilkinson Sword, is ideal for slicing weeds just below the soil surface, allowing you to clear larger areas quickly while minimising disruption to the soil.’

4. Target paths, patios and hard surfaces

‘When it comes to how to remove weeds from a patio, then these hard-to-reach, stubborn weeds growing between paving slabs or in compacted areas require a more targeted solution,’ advises Mark. ‘A patio scraper or patio knife with an L-shaped blade designed specifically for this purpose, like this stainless steel hand patio knife, £12.99, J. Parker's, can get into narrow gaps or remove weeds and moss at the root, helping to keep hard landscaping clean without chemicals.’

‘For a different, heat-based approach to weed control, the Weed Wand, £19.99, Town & Country, offers a chemical-free way to tackle unwanted growth across larger hard surfaces. It uses intense heat to destroy the internal cell structure of weeds, causing them to wither and die back naturally, making it particularly effective on driveways, paths and patios. As a bonus, it’s a versatile year-round tool that can also be used as a barbecue fire starter and path de-icer in winter.’

For a speedy way of tackling weeds in paving, an electric weeder, like the QVC weed sweeper, £64.92, that we tested, will remove stubborn weeds in-between slabs in a jiffy with no back-breaking bending over required. And for tricky weeds growing in block paving, Ideal Home's Gardens Editor Sophie was impressed with Newman and Cole's long-handle weed brush, £9.97, from Amazon, which worked a treat on her driveway.

5. Go deeper in beds and hard-to-reach areas

‘For lighter, targeted work in flower beds, a small hand-held weed fork is comfy and easy to use and will help lift weeds with minimal disturbance to surrounding plants,' says Mark.

‘In more established garden borders, a long-handled weeding fork will allow gardeners to reach further into planting beds without disturbing surrounding plants or needing to bend excessively, making them ideal for more mature or densely planted spaces.’

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6. Get to grips with really stubborn weeds

When it comes to those really hard-to-remove weeds that have a long tap root, like large dandelions and thistles, then a stand-up weeder, like the Spear & Jackson weed puller, £30, Argos, can come in super-useful at pulling out the weed by its roots, while being easier on the back too. At the end of a long handle, there is a set of prongs on a hinge with a foot lever. Simply place the prongs over the top of the weed, step on the lever to close the prongs and then pull. The entire weed and root should come out intact.

Alternatively, Ideal Home's Senior Digital Editor, Jenny, is a big fan of the Root Slayer shovel, £48.71, at Amazon, which has a serrated edge that slices through soil or the roots of weeds with ease and is great for getting rid of large or stubborn weeds in garden borders.

How do you tackle weeds in your garden? Are there any favourite weeding tools that you'd recommend?

The yearly No Mow May is upon us, and it's time to skip mowing your lawn for this month – and beyond, if you can.

Taking part in this crucial annual campaign is essential to our pollinators, who need all the help they can get. Whether you stop mowing your entire lawn or keep a strip free, weeds will start to appear, especially if we have warm weather. This can be off-putting to those of us who like our gardens to look neat and tidy. 'No Mow May is great for wildlife, but weeds can soon get the upper hand if you do nothing,' says Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres.

We've spoken to our gardening experts to find out how we can keep weeds in check and get rid of them fast, whilst still taking part in this vitally good cause.

1. Decide what 'weeds' are an issue

What's a weed to some might not be deemed a weed to others... so establishing what you feel is okay to keep is the first port of call.

'Not all “weeds” need to be treated as a problem,' says Tim Clapp, head of range and qualified botanist at Verve. 'Plants such as clover, daisies, self-heal and dandelions provide valuable nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators, particularly at a time when food sources can fluctuate.'

These essential 'weeds' can also improve soil health by fixing nitrogen or adding organic matter. Tim adds, 'The focus should be on managing more aggressive or invasive weeds such as docks, thistles, nettles, and bindweed – these can quickly take over and outcompete other plants.'

2. Get mulching

A good yet natural suppresser is mulching, which works by blocking the light whilst also feeding the area.

'Applying a layer of mulch such as compost, bark, or well-rotted organic matter around plants and across bare soil helps reduce weed growth,' advises Tim. 'It also improves moisture retention and soil structure over time, making it easier to manage beds with less ongoing effort.'

Richard Barker, horticultural expert at LBS Horticulture, agrees, 'This will smother weeds and stop them from germinating. You can add to this by placing sheets of cardboard down before applying a layer of mulch on top, as the cardboard will naturally decompose over time.'

RocketGro organic magic mulch is chemical-free and eco-friendly, £28.47 for 50 litres, Amazon. It has great reviews and is known for suppressing weeds by up to 95% while retaining soil moisture.

3. Back to basics

Removing weeds naturally is always better than reaching for the chemicals. 'Hand pulling is still the best weapon, especially on anything flowering or about to seed,' suggests Julian. 'Pull them now, and you'll save yourself trouble later.'

Tim agrees, 'Traditional hand tools also remain the most effective options. For example, draw hoes are ideal for cutting through established weeds just below the surface, and Dutch hoes are best for regular, light weeding – slicing off young growth in dry conditions so it quickly desiccates.'

We particularly love the Dutch hoe as the long handle is great for saving our backs! The Spear & Jackson design is currently £15 at Argos and has great reviews. It's lightweight and comes with a mirror-polished double-edged blade that makes it very efficient.

Shopping essentials for No Mow May

4. Keeping tidy

Keeping on top of your lawn will help no end – especially if it has neat edges. Lucie Bradley, gardening and greenhouse expert at Easy Garden Irrigation, explains, 'It will make it look professionally cared for, so even when not mowing your lawn in May, this still shows you are looking after it. Sharp edges also help to reduce the opportunity for grass to spread into your garden borders, where it would compete with your plants for moisture and nutrients.'

According to Julian, you don't need to go too mad, 'A bit of light tidying keeps the garden from looking abandoned and from letting weeds take over. It’s all about letting things grow a bit wilder while still keeping a bit of control.'

If you love traditionally styled tools, then consider the Greenman edging iron with an ash handle and stainless steel blade, £24.33, from Amazon. Got a large lawn that requires extra help with the edging? B&Q's Flymo Contour 9669523-01 electric corded grass trimmer, £55, has an efficient motor, and its scrubbing mode allows you to reach under shrubs and plants.

5. Supporting the wildlife

It's imperative that whichever way you want to stop weeds taking over your garden during No Mow May, you support your wildlife.

'Allowing a mix of flowering plants to establish naturally, or introducing wildlife-friendly planting, helps create a more resilient garden,' says Tim. 'These plants not only support pollinators but also attract beneficial insects that help keep pests in check. Over time, this reduces the need for intervention and creates a more balanced ecosystem within the garden.'

Tim believes in targeting key areas rather than the whole garden. For example, pathways, seating areas and high-use spaces. 'This keeps the garden functional without disrupting areas you may want to develop more naturally.'

Nectar-rich flowers are perfect for this, consider lavender – bees and butterflies adore it – Crocus sell pots of the Hidcote variety with prices starting from £7.99. Another option is sunflowers, which are great fun to grow. The Russian Giant Start-A-Garden seeds are a good place to start, £1.49 for 25 seeds, Thompson & Morgan.

6. Designate a zone

If the thought of not mowing your entire lawn for a month fills you with dread, but you want to help wildlife – or you want a space for your children to play in – then you can designate zones.

Lucie explains, 'An option is to simply leave an area of your lawn uncut and mow the rest. This still means you can let wildflowers bloom in areas of your lawn to benefit visiting pollinating insects, whilst at the same time continuing to use your lawn. If you didn’t leave one section uncut, you could always mow different sections of your lawn each week, allowing the growth of wildflowers to form a meadow but still keeping a well-maintained lawn.'

Another idea is to mow a path through your lawn or get creative and create a shape. 'For example, you could cut a spiral shape into a square lawn, so that the area you have mown is distinct from the areas you have left ‘wild’. You could cut stripes through your lawn, leaving strips uncut for wildflowers to bloom and having perfectly manicured strips on either side,' suggests Lucie.

FAQs

'Allowing the grass to grow longer provides a more sheltered environment for insects and increases biodiversity,' says Lucie. Follow our guide to keep your weeds at bay during this important month, and enjoy seeing the pollinators thrive.

If aphids, slugs and other garden pests are turning your outdoor space into a battleground, it might be time to let nature lend a helping hand.

Creating a healthy, sustainable garden is becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. And encouraging natural predators into your garden is one of the easiest ways to keep common pests under control without relying on toxic chemicals. It can also help create a balanced ecosystem where pests and invasive growth are kept under control naturally.

While predators will not remove weeds directly, they can help reduce the insects and conditions that weaken plants and allow unwanted growth to take hold. A thriving, biodiverse garden is often far more resilient and easier to manage, too.

Here are some of the best things you can do to attract helpful creatures to your garden and encourage them to stick around, so you can help protect your plants naturally.

1. Welcome birds

Garden birds are some of the best natural helpers you can attract. Species commonly found in UK gardens, such as robins, blackbirds, wrens and blue tits, feed on slugs, snails, caterpillars and weed seeds.

By reducing these problems naturally, birds help maintain healthier planting areas and reduce the need for chemical intervention. To encourage birds into your garden, provide a reliable source of fresh water for drinking and bathing with a bird bath, like this freestanding bird bath with a stake, £18.39 from Amazon, which is great to position anywhere on your lawn.

Bird feeders filled with sunflower hearts, peanuts or suet will help attract a range of species throughout the year. Just make sure you take heed of the RSPB's advice to only feed fat balls and suet for summer bird feeding.

Emma O’Neill from Garden Organic adds, 'Provide nesting spots for birds, such as mixed hedging or nesting boxes.' This is a lovely little bird house from Elho, £13.99 at Amazon, designed by experts to create the perfect spot for more than 11 species, from sparrows to blue tits.

Native hedges, shrubs and climbers provide nesting sites and shelter from predators. Piles of leaves, dense shrubs and log stacks create safe places for birds to forage and rest, too – so don’t focus too much on a tidy garden in every spot! In a similar vein, Emma adds, 'Leave areas of your lawn a little longer. Insects love long grass, and birds will feed on them.' Once birds recognise your garden as a dependable habitat, they are likely to return regularly.

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2. Create a pond for water-loving helpers

Even a small pond can make a huge difference to garden biodiversity. Frogs, toads and newts are excellent natural predators and are especially helpful in controlling slugs and other soft-bodied pests that can damage plants.

A wildlife pond does not need to be large or elaborate – even a simple washing-up bowl sunk into the ground works fantastically. If you’d rather go for something pre-made, a pond like this one from B&Q is a great choice.

Popping logs and stones near the pond will provide cool hiding places for the pond’s residents during warm weather, as well as helping them get out of the water. As a bonus, ponds also attract dragonflies and other beneficial insects that contribute to a balanced garden ecosystem.

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3. Plant native flowers to boost beneficial bugs

Not all insects are harmful to the garden. In fact, many species actively help by feeding on pests that weaken plants and make them vulnerable to competition from weeds. One of the best ways to attract these helpful creatures is by planting a wide variety of nectar-rich flowers.

Native plants are particularly valuable because they have evolved alongside local wildlife and provide reliable food sources. Emma explains that native shrubs are a fantastic choice if you have space for them. 'Try growing some native shrubs such as hazel. Dogwood or hawthorn are suited to UK growing conditions and are important habitats for birds and insects.'

Garden writer and editor, Kim Stoddart, shares her favourite plant for the job. 'Fennel (pick up bronze fennel, from £11.99 at Marshalls Garden) wins as my hands-down hero plant for the garden because it looks fantastic and also attracts an array of natural pest patrol predators such as ladybirds and lacewings, whose larvae can hoover up thousands of aphids.'

'Hoverflies also love this plant, and they help with pollination and natural pest control to boot. It's not just bronze fennel either. Florence fennel also attracts these beneficial creatures and will often grow on for a few years in the garden, providing lovely zesty foliage to bring to the table.'

Where to buy these native plants:

• Marshalls Garden: A stunning and hardy addition to your space, this beautiful bronze fennel, from £11.99, is well worth considering.
• Crocus: This small hazel, from £29.99, will reward you with gorgeous golden yellow catkins, making it a showstopper to look at.
• Suttons: The clusters of gorgeous white blooms on this hawthorn hedge, from £0.99 at Suttons, give way to red berries, perfect for birds.

4. Build log piles and bug hotels for a variety of predators

Emma says, 'Add log piles to attract beetles, toads and hedgehogs – which help mop up pests.'

Many beneficial creatures need safe spaces to shelter, breed and overwinter. Log piles, bug hotels, and undisturbed corners of the garden can provide ideal habitats.

Ground beetles, for example, are valuable predators that feed on slugs, snail eggs and various garden pests. They thrive in cool, damp environments beneath logs, stones and mulch.

Solitary bees and lacewings also benefit from purpose-built insect hotels – this one from John Lewis is a great, cost-effective choice.

Shop wildlife-friendly must-haves

5. Use companion planting

Companion planting is an age-old gardening technique that involves growing certain plants together to benefit one another.

Some plants attract beneficial insects, while others help, confuse or repel pests. For example, planting nasturtiums near vegetables can draw aphids away from crops, while marigolds are thought to deter some soil pests.

Herbs such as dill, fennel and coriander attract hoverflies and parasitic wasps, both of which feed on common garden pests. A diverse planting scheme also helps reduce large bare areas where weeds can quickly establish themselves. Dense ground cover plants shade the soil, helping retain moisture while naturally suppressing unwanted weed growth.

6. Avoid chemical sprays

One of the most important steps in attracting natural predators is avoiding the use of harsh chemical sprays.

Many pesticides do not distinguish between harmful pests and beneficial wildlife, meaning they can unintentionally kill the very creatures that help keep the garden balanced.

Even products marketed as safe or organic should be used carefully and only when absolutely necessary. Repeated chemical use can disrupt the natural food chain and reduce biodiversity. Instead, focus on prevention and balance. A healthy garden with a mixture of plants, habitats and wildlife is often capable of regulating itself surprisingly well.

7. Don’t eradicate all unwanted plants

This might sound counterintuitive when the aim is a weed-free plot, but as Emma explains, some plants we wouldn’t choose to grow can do important work that will benefit your garden in the long run.

'Allow some nettles and dandelions to flourish. Nettles attract butterflies, while dandelions are perfect for those early pollinators as they flower early in the year.'

In fact, keeping a few weeds in your garden borders is one of this year's biggest trends seen at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

So there you have it. Attracting natural predators into your garden is not about eliminating every weed or pest overnight.

Instead, it is about creating a balanced, thriving environment where wildlife works alongside you to maintain healthy plants and soil. By encouraging birds, frogs, beneficial insects and other helpful creatures, you can reduce the use of chemical controls and enjoy a more sustainable outdoor space.

Small changes can make a big difference, so implement what feels right for you and enjoy the results!

At one time, I thought this delicate pink-flowered plant looked pretty and harmless, until it started popping up in every crack, border and shady corner of my garden... I first noticed it in plants in pots we brought back from London, then it started appearing literally everywhere.

I really didn't mind Herb Robert – also known as Stinky Bob (I'll get into that later) – at first because of its tiny pink flowers and delicate fern-like foliage. However, after spending weeks searching for the best ways to kill this weed and preferably a natural way to do it, I've come to realise that this dainty plant is far more persistent than it looks. And this spring, it's safe to say this "weed" is officially winning the battle I've been waging with it. Every time I pull some of it up, even more appear!

Now I'm at the stage where simply pulling it out whenever I see it no longer is enough. I'm nothing short of desperate to get on top of it before it colonises even more of my garden, so I turned to these garden experts to find out exactly what I should be doing and whether it's finally time to bring out the big guns. And if you've got a similar takeover in your garden, here's what they suggest doing.

What makes Herb Robert so hard to get rid of?

Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum), or Stinky Bob as I prefer to call it, is a fast-spreading wild geranium native to the UK. Its nickname, Stinky Bob, comes from the strong chemical-like smell released when the leaves are crushed (it reminds me of petrol), which I now know all too well after countless weeding sessions.

While it's technically a wildflower that has a multitude of benefits for pollinators, rather than one of the more aggressive invasive weeds, stinky bob self-seeds extremely easily, explains Richard Barker, horticulture expert at LBS Horticulture, which makes it hard to get rid of.

'Stinky Bob is so hard to get rid of because each plant is capable of producing hundreds of seeds, and these are forcefully ejected from the plant, potentially to a distance of a few feet away,' explains Robert.

'This makes it hard to control the spread by simply getting rid of the parent plant, as it may have already launched seeds into the surrounding area. The seeds can also remain viable in the soil for a long period of time, and the plant is capable of thriving in virtually any environment.'

So you see the problem? Read on for how to control the pesky plant, or better yet, get rid of it.

The expert-approved ways to get rid of Herb Robert

Timing is everything with Herb Robert. Lucie Bradley, gardening expert at Easy Garden Irrigation, explains that unlike many weeds like bindweed, couch grass and dandelions, which are hard to get rid of simply because they will regrow from the roots which you leave behind, Herb Robert relies on seed production to spread.

So it's important to pull the weeds from your garden before it has a chance to produce seeds, which is from late spring through to late autumn, making right now the ideal time to start removing them from your garden before any seed pods appear.

Here's how to stop Herb Robert in its tracks before it takes over.

1. Pulling by hand

What you'll need

Richard explains that one of the most effective ways to deal with herb Robert is hand-pulling, especially when the plants are still young and before they've had a chance to set seed. Thankfully, the roots are relatively shallow, so they usually come away fairly easily.

'When the plant is young, it can be easily pulled out by hand as the root structure should not be too complex at this point,' he explains. 'If pulling by hand, do this before the plant produces flowers to stop it from self-seeding. If you are trying to remove the plant from compacted soil, you may need to use a garden fork.'

Lucie says you could also use a grubber, like this Gardena combisystem weeder, £13.99 at Amazon, to easily loosen the weeds from the soil, so you can then collect them up, ready to dispose of them. If you prefer to weed without bending, Lucie recommends using a long-handled hoe, like this Dutch Hoe, £8.85 at Amazon, on a dry, sunny day to cut through the stems of herb robert, leaving the weeds to die.

She also recommends always wearing gloves (this bargain set of three gardening gloves, £5.97, is a bestseller on Amazon) when handling it, because whilst it's easy to simply pull Herb Robert out of the ground, roots and all, the fine, fuzzy hairs which cover both the stems and the buds sometimes hold some of the clear, watery sap which is also in the weeds' leaves and stems.

'This sap will come out of the stems and leaves when broken, which is likely to happen when you are pulling it from the ground, and it’s this sap which can cause skin irritations,' she explains.

Shop these weeding secret weapons

2. Smothering

An effective chemical-free way of clearing large areas of herb Robert is sheet mulching, explains Lucie, especially if it seems to keep returning to the same spots.

And Richard agrees that you can prevent Herb Robert seeds from germinating and growing by covering the soil with a thick layer of mulch. 'Use a layer of organic matter around three inches thick, or you can also use ground cover plants,' suggests Richard.

A thick layer of bark, compost or mulch helps block the light from reaching seeds and makes it harder for new seedlings to establish. Lucie says that using cardboard beneath mulch in heavily affected areas provides extra suppression.

'When using this method, first cut back the Herb Robert, then, using brown, corrugated cardboard, cover the area, overlapping the sheets of card as you want to stop any light reaching the ground.'

'Soak the cardboard layer with water and cover with three to eight inches of organic mulch such as garden compost or bark chippings (we're big fans of RocketGro's Magic Mulch, £18.98, Amazon), to both hold the card in place and block all light,' advises Lucie.

'After six to 12 months, the card will break down, but you will need to monitor the area, as if any seeds remain in the soil, they could still be viable and start to sprout if the soil is disturbed and they are exposed to light.'

Our favourite mulching options

3. Boiling water for patio cracks

If you've got herb Robert growing in paving slabs, gravel paths and driveway cracks, Lucie says boiling water can be a surprisingly effective natural fix. However, she doesn't recommend using it in garden beds and borders.

This non-selective method has the potential for you to damage plants you want to keep if the boiling water gets onto them, as it works instantly, rupturing the cell walls of plants so that they dehydrate, wither and die within a few days,' she explains.

'So if you want to use boiling water, this is most suitable for weeds growing between paving slabs or on pathways rather than in flower beds or borders.'

This method is particularly useful for isolated clumps in awkward spots where hand-pulling can be tricky.

How to prevent herb Robert coming back

Stopping herb Robert from returning is all about making your garden less inviting to it long term. Richard recommends never composting the plants that have already developed seed heads, as seeds can survive composting and end up straight back into your borders later on.

It's also worth cleaning muddy boots, gloves and tools after weeding, as the tiny seeds can easily hitch a ride around the garden. Another suggestion is to replant infested areas immediately because exposed soil gives stinky bob the perfect places to germinate and spread.

'Dense, ground cover plants can help with this, as they will quickly cover space and block the light from reaching any remaining seeds in the soil,' suggests Richard.

This will help block light and crowd out seedlings. Flowering ground cover plants such as creeping phlox, hardy geraniums, and creeping thyme will work well in the shady areas that Herb Robert loves.

But most importantly, to stop this pretty but persistent weed from taking over, he advises that long-term monitoring is essential. 'Stinky Bob seeds can survive in soil and remain viable for years. For this reason, you will need to closely monitor any cleared areas for a few years so any new seedlings can be removed quickly.'

Lucie advises that you'll need to be patient and persistent when tackling herb robert, as it can take years to completely remove it.

'Herb Robert seeds are very versatile, allowing them to germinate within a few weeks of falling onto the ground,' she explains. 'Or they can lie dormant in the ground from late winter and germinate the following spring. However, they can also remain viable in the soil for up to five or six years and simply germinate when the conditions are suitable.'

So Lucie explains you'll need to be on the lookout for new weeds sprouting and nipping them in the bud as soon as possible.

Ground ivy has nearly got the better of me this spring. After a long, wet winter, it seems to have crept into pretty much every corner of our garden. And I mean, I'm finding it everywhere right now, including my lawn and borders. It's well and truly winning the weeding battle, and I've been at a loss as to what to do about it.

I've tried the usual methods to get rid of weeds fast and eradicate them naturally, pulling it up here and there and hoping for the best. However, it became clear pretty quickly that this wasn't a weed you could tackle the way I was.

I've been searching for how to kill weeds properly, without affecting other plants, only to realise that ground ivy needs a far more targeted approach. So I asked the experts exactly how to get rid of it and, more crucially, how to stop it from coming back.

What makes ground ivy so hard to get rid of?

Ground ivy, also known as creeping Charlie, is deceptively pretty and beneficial to garden wildlife, but it's persistent, too, which explains why my initial efforts barely made a dent. Lucie Bradley, gardening expert at Easy Garden Irrigation, explains that it can regrow even from the smallest pieces of root or stem you leave behind while you try to remove it.

'If that isn't bad enough, simply breaking the stems of ground ivy actually encourages vigorous growth,' adds Lucie.

Liam Cleary, from The Old Railway Line Garden Centre, also explains that ground ivy is one of those weeds that really shows its strength after winter.

'It can look like it’s taken over almost overnight, but in reality, it’s been quietly spreading underground for months, ready to surge as soon as conditions improve. That’s why so many gardeners feel like they’re suddenly battling a full invasion.'

'The main issue with ground ivy is that what you see above the soil is only part of the problem,' he says. 'It spreads through creeping stems that root as they go, so even small fragments left behind can quickly regenerate. That’s what makes it so persistent and frustrating to fully clear.'

So now that I'm officially filled with terror, what can you do to get rid of it?

The best ways to get rid of ground ivy

Lucie advises that you'll need to be patient and persistent when tackling ground ivy, as you'll need to work hard to remove all the foliage and roots.

And if you're considering just cutting your losses and getting the weedkiller out, Richard explains that it may not always be the most effective idea and may require several applications to see any effects because it's moisture-resistant.

So, deep breaths and here goes... these are the three expert-approved methods to get rid of this notoriously invasive weed.

1. Manual removal

Liam explains that one of the most effective long-term approaches is simply consistency. 'Regularly checking and pulling new growth before it establishes properly makes a bigger difference than one big clearance effort. It’s about gradually exhausting the plant rather than expecting an instant fix,' he explains.

And Lucie says that spring is the perfect time to manually remove ground ivy from your garden, before its roots become strong and well established and before it flowers and releases seeds.

'Ideally, remove after it has rained so the ground is moist, or water a few hours before starting to work, so that the roots are easier to remove from the ground,' she advises. 'Your aim is to remove all the foliage and roots, so I use a hand-held grubber, like this Gardena combisystem hand weeder, £10.10 from Amazon, with prongs that easily loosen runners and also allow me to disturb the soil so the roots are easier to extract.'

Liam says that if the ground is dry, the stems tend to snap, which is exactly what you don’t want with a plant like this, so making sure the ground is moist is key, even if it hasn't rained in a while.

Shop these ground ivy secret weapons

2. Mulching

A great chemical-free way of clearing large areas of ground ivy is ground mulching, explains Lucie.

'Mulching or covering affected areas can also help reduce its spread by blocking light, but it’s not a standalone solution,' adds Liam. 'Think of it as supporting control rather than eliminating it. It'll slow the plant down, but you still need to stay on top of any shoots that find their way through.'

Although it is a long-term project, adds Lucie, which can mean it can take around six to twelve months to eradicate your target weeds.

'The aim with sheet mulching is to smother the ground ivy, preventing light from reaching it so it can’t grow, and once it’s used up any stored energy in its roots, it dies - hence the need to be patient with this process,' suggests Lucie.

'Simply cut the ground ivy as low as possible,' says Lucie, with Richard Barker, horticultural expert at LBS Horticulture, adding that using a strimmer or cultivator (my Ryobi cordless handheld cultivator, £139.95 at Amazon, is the perfect tool to remove the top growth), then 'water the area, and then cover with overlapping sheets of cardboard or newspaper, which you should then water.'

'Then cover the layer with a five to 10cm depth of compost, bark chips (this 60L bag is great value, £19.99 from Amazon) or other mulch (we rate RocketGro Magic Mulch, £18.98 at Amazon here) and leave for at least six months for the process to take effect.'

Richard adds that the soil will need to be kept covered for a few years, with the mulch layer being topped up when necessary, to ensure that this is fully effective. You could even consider planting some effective ground cover plants to stop the spread, as I've done with creeping phlox.

3. Boiling water

If you want a fast way to remove the foliage and shallow roots of ground ivy, then pouring boiling water over the base and leaves will do this, explains Lucie.

'The hot water ruptures the plant cells, and the plant withers and dies. However, any plants near the ground ivy could also be damaged, so you need to be careful,' she explains.

'Plus, as it is unlikely to reach long tap roots and kill those, you will need to watch for regrowth and repeat the process.'

How to prevent ground ivy coming back

It turns out that consistency is key in the war against ground ivy. Liam explains, 'Don’t treat ground ivy as something you can remove in a single session. The gardeners who get the best results are the ones who stay consistent over time and chip away at it bit by bit until it eventually loses its hold.'

Richard suggests that you should monitor any areas where you have previously removed ground ivy to check that it is not emerging again, as catching the plants when they are small helps prevent them from taking over again.

You also need to be careful when disposing of the ground ivy you remove from your garden, advises Lucie. 'If you want to try to add it to your compost, then it either needs to go into a hot composting bin where temperatures above 50 degrees Celsius will kill the plant.

Or you need to either dry it out or seal it in a black plastic bag for months until it turns into sludge, and then add it to your compost heap. Otherwise, add it to your green waste collection.

Ground ivy might be one of the most stubborn weeds I've had to try to deal with, but as you have read, there are ways to beat it. I now know that I can't treat its removal as a quick weekend weeding job and start tackling it more strategically.

And if your garden is anything like mine over winter, just know you're not alone. With the right approach to these pesky weeds, you can definitely get the upper hand again. Take that Creeping Charlie!

Weeding is one of those jobs that never really feels done, like ever. Especially through the spring and summer months, when everything is growing at a pace, including things you don't want in your borders or lawn.

Just as you clear one patch, another seems to pop up, making the whole task feel relentless if you try to tackle it all in one go. Spoiler alert: it's impossible to do that... Believe me, I've tried.

That's why breaking it down into small, manageable bursts is far more realistic. Instead of spending hours figuring out how to kill weeds and get rid of them naturally in one big sweep, these expert-backed methods show that it really can take as little as five minutes to blast them away – and keep your garden under control without the overwhelm.

1. Use boiling water to target them

One of the fastest, most satisfying fixes is to pour freshly boiled water directly onto weeds growing in cracks in paving. It kills the plant almost instantly by destroying the cell structure, resulting in dehydration, explains Lucie Bradley, owner of Easy Garden Irrigation, with just a few minutes needed for small weeds to start to wither and then die completely within a few hours.

'It’s best used on isolated weeds in paths, drives and patios as it’s not selective and will damage any plants with which it comes in contact,' explains Lucie. 'When using boiling water, you need to be careful with applying it so you can be precise, pouring it precisely at the weed's base and not hurt yourself.'

2. Use a cultivator tool for a quick sweep

Using an electric cultivator to get rid of weeds has been a bit of a game-changer for me. I used the Ryobi cordless cultivator, £144.95 from ManoMano, to run the soil and remove weeds from my beds and borders, and it made what would usually be a longer job feel incredibly quick and manageable.

A light pass over the soil lifts shallow-rooted weeds, breaks up compacted soil and preps beds for planting. But do use it on dry days, so any uprooted weeds dry out on the surface rather than re-rooting.

Other weed-busting tools

3. Hand pull them after rain

If you've had a downpour, that's your cue to get out there and pull some weeds. Weeds come out so much easier when the ground’s soft, explains Liam Clearly, horticultural expert at Old Railway Line Garden Centre. 'You’re not tugging and snapping roots; they just lift out cleanly,' he explains.

This is the time to get rid of dandelions in a lawn, chickweed and shallow-rooted invaders as they will be the easiest to pull out, roots and all, in minutes.

4. Deadhead weeds before they spread

If you're really short on time, instead of focusing on getting rid of weeds, you can try to limit their spread by regularly deadheading flowering weeds, like dandelions, suggests Richard Barker, horticulture expert at LBS Horticulture.

'Deadheading for a few minutes every day will prevent the weeds from going to seed, and this can have more of an impact than you think, given how many seeds a single dandelion flower can produce,' explains Richard. 'However, do not compost any of the plant material removed from weeds, as this can risk spreading them further.'

5. Vinegar spot treatment

A quick spray of white vinegar works well on young weeds, especially in patio cracks, path edges, and fence lines, where you can treat weeds in isolation, explains Lucie. However, just be very careful to target weeds to avoid also killing nearby plants.

She tends to use either white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, which works effectively as when the acetic acid it contains comes into contact with the plant's surface, it ruptures the plant cells, so moisture leaks out, causing them to dry out and die.

6. Pull, then mulch straight after

If you’ve got time to do one extra thing, a bit of mulch really helps, advises Liam. 'It just slows everything down, so you’re not constantly chasing new weeds popping up.'

Using a good quality mulch, like RocketGro's Magic Mulch, £18.98 from Amazon, helps block sunlight, prevents new weeds from germinating and keeps soil moisture in, so think of it as future-proofing your weed-busting efforts.

7. The little and often sweep

Instead of viewing your garden as a whole, Richard advises breaking it down into smaller sections so it is more manageable.

'For example, spend a few minutes weeding your lawn or patio, as removing a dozen weeds every so often can help you to keep on top of things,' he suggests. Look for tiny new shoots, zone in on the edges of your lawn and around planters.

And Liam agrees. 'I’m a big fan of doing it in bits rather than saving it all for one big session. Five minutes here and there is far more manageable, and you never get that moment where you look at the garden and think, ‘that’s a full day gone.’

So there you have it! If you've been wondering how to get rid of weeds fast, it's not about one big clear-out, as sadly, they just keep on coming back!

It's more about quick, repeatable jobs that fit into everyday life. Five minutes here and there genuinely does help more than you'd think, and it'll help keep your garden looking tidy, healthy and far less overwhelming to manage.

And if you want a few more weed-busting ideas to add to your arsenal, using creeping phlox and other ground cover plants can stop weeds in their tracks, as well as this old newspaper trick. Happy weeding!

If you're wondering how to get rid of horsetail weed, I've got some bad news for you – it's not going to be easy. Unfortunately, there are no quick fixes or TikTok hacks that are going to help you easily banish this garden thug.

When faced with how to kill weeds, the most common approaches are either a weedkiller (whether commercially bought or chemical-free weed killers) or digging the weed out. Neither of these approaches really works with horsetail weed.

'Horsetail – also known as Marestail – in one form or another, has been around since before the dinosaurs - around 400 million years,' explains Helena Jones, Head of Commercial at Hedges Direct Limited. 'This means it's very hard to get rid of horsetail weed as it's adapted to every type of climate and weather and all types of soil, even poor.'

However, this doesn't mean that all is lost, as there are some solutions that will help to control and reduce the dominance of horsetail weed in your garden.

How to identify horsetail weeds

Before starting out it's best to double check you are dealing with horsetail weeds. Depending on the time of year, horsetail weed looks different. In spring, it has brown stems with cone-like tops. Then, in summer, these develop into tall green plants – of around 60-70 cm high – with frondy, fir-like leaves.

If you're still stuck as to whether you have horsetail, several professional weed removal companies offer identification services. Environmental Controls offers a free ID service.

How to get rid of horsetail weed

There are several different methods you can use to get rid of horsetail weed, and they are at their most effective when used in conjunction with each other.

• Focus on the new shoots – these will be easier to pull and can help you keep on top of new growth.
• Use a weed burner – while flame weeding won't completely kill the horsetail weeds, it will help to control their growth, and it's less effort than pulling the weeds by hand.
• Dig out what you can – while difficult, and you'll struggle to completely dig out every part of this deep-growing weed, digging out plants can help deal with large clumps.
• Damage the plant before using weedkiller – while solely applying weedkiller doesn't work, breaking the leaves can help the weedkiller penetrate, making it more effective.
• Mow regularly – if horsetail weed is in your lawn, mowing your lawn regularly is the best way to keep it at bay. It's also worth adding the task to your weekly lawn care calendar and investing in a good lawn mower if you haven’t already.
• Cover with strong weed-resistant matting and mulch – this restricts the light and can stop the plant from growing in areas where the matting is used.

You will need

Do weed killers work to get rid of horsetail weed?

No, weed killers don't work to get rid of horsetail weed.

'Horsetail weed has an impervious coating on the stems and foliage. This makes it resistant to all types of weedkiller, including the strongest one, Glyphosate. In short, weedkiller won't really work,' explains Helena Jones, Head of Commercial at Hedges Direct.

You can make weed killer more effective by damaging the horsetail weed's leaves and stems before applying weed killer, but it has mixed reports of success when trying to get rid of horsetail weed, especially with more established plants.

Why is it so difficult to pull horsetail weed out of the garden?

Horsetail weed has a fast-growing underground rhizome system, meaning it grows with the same vigour as Japanese knotweed and can be as difficult to remove

'Horsetail weed has got an incredibly deep root system, we're talking 6-7 feet deep and spread out over a massive area, really extensive, which makes digging it out really difficult,' says Helen. 'We thought we'd dug ours out when we were re-turfing, as we couldn't see a single sign of it, but it's back again. It can re-grow from the tiniest piece of root left in and spreads very quickly.'

How do I stop horsetail weed reproducing?

'Horsetail weed has a really efficient way of seeding via spores – like propagating a fern. In spring, it throws up long, brownish stems with slim cones on top - they are what release the spores, so you look to remove them as they come up to stop it from spreading,' says Helen.

Cut these stems before the cones appear to prevent the release of spores – especially if you are trying to get rid of weeds in a lawn.

Once you have cut the stems, dispose of them sensibly, ideally by burning. Never put horsetail in a compost heap – this will only cause it to spread.

When to get professional advice

Horsetail weed is one of the weeds that might require professional removal – especially if you have a large infestation.

However, it is an involved process, as horsetail weed removal specialists Marestails UK explains: 'The initial year includes 3 intensive treatments to make the greatest impact quickly. Following this, 1-2 maintenance treatments over the next 5 years help ensure lasting control.'

Take an alternative approach

If you're struggling to get rid of horsetail weed, there is another way to approach it, as Helen discovered.

'Horsetail weed is not actually unattractive with its bright green foliage, and it can have benefits to your wildlife garden ideas, providing food and habitat for some native invertebrates. From my perspective, I admire it. It has survived all that time and still thrives today - pretty astounding, one of nature's perfections,' says Helen.

'I tend to pull it out as I see it to manage it, and it dies back in autumn/winter anyway. Many people tend to 'live with it' now if it's sprouting in just a few places in the garden. If it's becoming a real nuisance and taking over, it's time to call in the professionals.

Would you be tempted to just live with it?

Whether you love ivy climbing your walls or hate its very presence, we can all agree it’s one of the clingiest plants out there. And when this ‘hanger-on’ starts having a negative impact on your walls and fences, it’s time to learn how to kill ivy roots. And that’s exactly what we’re about to find out.

Whether you want to remove ivy from a house or kill ivy on a fence, the core of the problem starts at the roots. Like a Hydra, cut off one head and more will appear, so we need to deal with the issues directly.

Luckily, I spoke to the pros who revealed the best way to kill ivy roots. Using a combination of manual labour and herbicides, all you need to do is follow these five easy steps.

What you need

Step-by-step

1. Cut back the ivy

First things first, you want to cut back as much of the existing ivy as you can, to give yourself more room to remove the roots at a later step.

‘Use garden shears or loppers to cut the ivy stems close to the ground. If the ivy is climbing, cut it at the base and allow the top growth to die before pulling it down (this avoids damaging structures or trees),’ says Luke Newnes, new build gardening specialist, gardening content creator and a member of the Interior Squad at Hillarys.

2. Remove surface growth

Next, you want to clear all the surface growth from the affected area. Pull up as much of the ivy as you can, such as runners and any visible roots you can see. This is more intense than cutting back ivy, as you are looking to remove as much of the plant as you can visibly see.

‘Always wear gloves, long sleeves and long trousers when cutting ivy plants. Use secateurs, and even loppers, if the stems are woody, close to ground level, if there is a large area of growth along the ground, a lawn edging tool may be useful to chop it up into manageable pieces,’ advises Jane Fairlie, Technical Manager at Doff Portland.

3. Dig out the roots

‘Use a garden fork or spade to dig up the soil where the ivy was growing. Try to remove as many roots as possible, as even small pieces can regrow,’ says Luke.

If you’re removing ivy from a fence or wall, cut the stems close to ground level and leave the ivy on the wall to go brown and die.

4. Apply a herbicide

A herbicide is a chemical that is commonly used to kill weeds, and you’ll need to apply it to the roots of your ivy.

‘Systemic weedkillers such as Glyphosate-based or Triclopyr ones are best for the control of regrowth, but may need several applications for complete control. As soon as the stems have been cut, it is important to apply the weedkiller straight away to be as effective as possible. Dilute and apply as per label instructions. When spraying it is best to apply to the underside of the leaves where there is no waxy coating, which delays uptake by the ivy,’ says Jane.

5. Monitor and repeat treatment

‘Ivy can be persistent. Check the area every few weeks and remove any new growth promptly. Repeat herbicide application if necessary,’ Luke explains.

‘This method is effective because it combines physical removal (which immediately reduces biomass and root reserves) with chemical control for any roots or fragments left behind. Ivy is tenacious and can regrow from small root pieces, so a combination approach ensures the best long-term results. Manual removal also reduces the amount of herbicide needed, making it more environmentally friendly.’

If ivy has outstayed it's welcome in your home and garden, these easy steps will help you say goodbye to it for good.

Wondering how to kill weeds but not grass?

Knowing when to use weedkiller on a lawn is one thing, but how can you make sure you aren’t damaging your grass at the same time? It can be tricky to know what will and won't harm your lawn.

Well, luckily, there are several ways you can get rid of weeds in your lawn without killing your grass. I spoke to lawn experts to find out exactly how to do it.

One of the safest ways to kill weeds but not grass? Weeding your lawn by hand.

Sure, it’s a bit of a slog – especially if you have a larger lawn – but manually removing weeds with a weeding tool will avoid the need for herbicides.

It isn’t a failsafe way to weed your lawn, though.

‘The safer option would be to remove them by hand, which will get rid of them for the time being, albeit most likely exposing some damaged lawn underneath,’ explains Cheryl Harper, managing director at Greensleeves.

‘But it is worth bearing in mind that, whilst this method will protect the rest of the lawn from too much wear and tear, this won’t stop weeds from growing back in the near future.’

The next best thing for lawns that are already overrun with weeds? Using a herbicide – but you’ll have to tread carefully, because not all herbicides are safe for grass, especially if you don’t use them properly.

‘If not applied correctly, these products could cause your lawn more problems,’ warns Cheryl. ‘If you are going to opt for a shop-bought treatment, read the label carefully and apply this when weeds are actively growing – in the spring or autumn – and avoid mowing for a couple of days before and after application.’

Selective herbicides are your safest bet if you’re wondering how to kill weeds but not grass. As a bonus, a lot of weedkillers come as a ‘weed and feed’ package, meaning they contain fertilisers that will actually boost the health of your lawn as well as killing weeds.

The gold standard, though, would be to combine lawn-safe herbicides with manual weeding. The earlier you remove weeds when you spot them, the easier it’ll be to keep on top of them.

‘To effectively kill weeds in your lawn without harming the grass, consider a combination of methods like hand-weeding and using selective herbicides,’ says Peter Chaloner, managing director of Cobra, one of the UK's leading brands of garden machinery.

Above all else, you’ll need to brush up on all the best lawn care tips.

‘The most effective method is through maintaining a healthy lawn through proper care,’ says Peter. ‘ A regular regime of fertilisation, scarifying, mulching, proper watering, and regular mowing can help prevent weeds from taking hold.’

It is No Mow May, though, so it's worth considering which weeds you can leave in the garden for the benefit of wildlife.

Combine manual weeding with a safe, selective herbicide and make sure your lawn is in tip-top condition, and you should start winning the fight against weeds.

If one of the five weeds that seed early manages to set up shop in your garden, it's likely your outdoor space will be overrun before spring has truly sprung – and we don't envy you one bit.

Much like the most common garden weeds, these persistent troublemakers waste no time getting established, and once they do, they can quickly take over flower beds, lawns and even patio cracks if left to their own devices.

Worse still, these early-seeding weeds have a nasty knack for exploiting the lull between winter pruning and summer growth. Which means that, while you’re still deciding what to plant where, they’re already dropping seeds, spreading underground roots, and making themselves at home. Eek!

Spring hasn’t even warmed up yet, and weeds are already making moves? From chickweed to hairy bittercress, they’re speedy, sneaky, and surprisingly resilient and failing to act early enough is one of the biggest weeding mistakes you can make.

'Spring is a wonderful time in the garden but the increase in temperature and sunshine means that weeds soon start growing and self-seeding rapidly if they get the chance,' says Morris Hankinson, director of Hopes Grove Nurseries.

'Many weeds are beneficial and even edible and are in fact just plants growing somewhere unwanted, but some can be quite invasive and cause problems for cultivated plants by taking over the space, nutrients, water and sunlight and are best to be removed,' he adds.

Thankfully, it only takes a little know-how to stop the weeds that seed early in their tracks. Here, then, are some of the most common early-seeders, how to spot them, and the smartest ways to keep them from staging a springtime garden takeover...

1. Hairy bittercress

Number one on our list of the five weeds that seed early is hairy bittercress (also known as Cardamine hirsuta).

'This is a really small weed, so you might think it would be no problem at all, but it will flower from a seedling in a couple of weeks, and if disturbed, the seeds fly around with ease and the cycle starts again,' explains Morris.

'Each plant can produce hundreds of seeds, so if you do have this, it is wise to remove them sooner rather than later.'

If you are keen to learn how to get rid of weeds naturally, you're in luck; these early-seeders are 'easy to dig up, can be mulched over to block the light and regular weeding with a hoe will ensure they don’t get much chance to grow', promises Morris.

2. Chickweed

Next on our list of five weeds that seed early is chickweed – an annual that, despite its one-year cycle, finishes with lots of pesky seeds.

'Chickweed (aka Stellaria media) self-seeds fast and grows fast, especially in springtime. It will creep over your soil and around your plants in no time, but the good news is, it is very easy to remove,' says Morris reassuringly.

'As long as you weed this one out before it goes to seed, it’s very easily managed. Simply remove it by hand, including the roots, hoe regularly and ensure you have well-drained soil as it does prefer a little damp.'

Try something like the Spear & Jackson 3540KEW Kew Gardens Collection Neverbend Carbon Dutch Hoe from Amazon, seen below, if you want to do this job quickly.

3. Groundsel

Fans of rewilding and chaos gardening might welcome this wildflower garden-style bloom, but groundsel (or Senecio vulgaris if you prefer) is also one of those five weeds that seed early.

'Groundsel is an aggressive early-season weed, which is distinctly recognisable. It grows just about everywhere, from gardens to alleyways, and from seed through flowering to seed again, only takes up to 6 weeks. So there’s little time to get on top of weeding this one out,' warns Morris.

'Whilst some weeds can be composted if they haven’t gone to seed, this isn’t one I would recommend because seeds can even survive the compost heap. Remove by hand, hoe regularly and if particularly problematic, cover the ground with cardboard, then mulch on top.'

4. Shepherd's purse

Seemingly yet further proof that a weed is just a plant that's in the wrong place, shepherd's purse (aka Capsella bursa-pastoris) looks like it would work well in a meadowscaping situation. Still, it's important to be aware of its status as one of the five weeds that seed early.

'This begins to flower very early in the spring season and even in winter. It produces thousands of seeds and will easily seed anywhere it can in disturbed soil,' says Morris, who promises that this is 'another easy to remove weed, so hand pull it up, hoe regularly and mulch heavily'.

'Green manure used as a cover crop for open beds in winter can help to keep this at bay,' he adds.

5. Annual meadow grass

Last but not least on our list of five weeds that seed early is annual meadow grass, also known as Poa annua.

'This is a tough one because the grass and seeds are very tolerant of just about anything from mowing to walking on. It will seed very quickly and can be troublesome to remove,' says Morris.

'The easiest way to stop it growing is to regularly mow or weed to prevent the seed heads from forming. If this is growing in a lawn, try to keep the lawn grass thriving, and it may outcompete the weed.'

FAQs

How do you get rid of weeds before they go to seed?

If you want to get rid of weeds before they go to seed, then you need to act early and consistently.

'Make an effort to pull weeds by hand when the soil is damp, so just after it's rained or you've watered your garden, as it’s easier to get the whole root out,' says Christopher O'Donoghue, one of the co-directors at Gardens Revived. 'And be sure to focus on young weeds before they flower or set seed.'

Christopher adds that you should make hoeing a regular part of your gardening routine, especially on hotter and drier days, as it will keep annual weeds at bay; just don't go too deep, as this may have an adverse effect.

'Be sure to start in early spring (March–April) and keep going through the summer,' he continues.

'If a weed has already flowered but not yet gone to seed, you can still pull it up carefully and dispose of it in your council green waste bin, but never a compost heap, unless you're using a hot composter.'

What is the best thing to put down to stop weeds coming through?

Mulching and weed suppressant fabrics are considered the best thing to put down to stop weeds coming through.

'You should apply a thick layer of mulch (bark, compost, or membrane sheeting) around plants to smother weeds and stop their seeds from germinating,' says Christopher O'Donoghue of Gardens Revived.

Now that you know the five weeds that seed early (and how to deal with them), it's up to you to decide if you'll let them make themselves at home in your garden or not.

After all, you never know; something like groundsel could become the new 'it' flower before we know it...

There are plenty of native plants to stop weeds, however, the best ones are those that also add colour and character to your garden. This can come in the form of pretty flowers, interesting leaves or a beautiful fragrance.

In many cases, the plants are so lovely, that you'll forget that they're also getting rid of weeds naturally. So why would you not plant one of these native plants to stop weeds and hang up the tools for good?

If you're looking for native plants to stop weeds, then ground cover is your friend. 'With ground cover plants, you’re not just decorating your garden – you’re giving it a natural defence against weeds,' explains Chris Ware, a local gardening expert from Climbing Wild Gardeners.

'By forming a dense canopy over the soil, ground cover plants block sunlight and prevent weed seeds from sprouting.' So it makes sense that ground cover plants can suppress weeds.'

Why you should use native plants to stop weeds

The benefit of opting for native plants to stop weeds, over non-native varieties is that they are more wildlife-friendly – meaning that you can not only use these plants to stop weeds but they can encourage biodiversity in your garden too.

Planting the best native plants to stop weeds will also reduce the amount of time and money you have to spend weeding – allowing you to spend more time enjoying your garden. Preventing weeds in this way is also a lot more sustainable and non-toxic method than those typically used to kill weeds.

1. Sedum Anglicum (English Stonecrop)

As its name suggests English Stonecrop is one of the few sedums that is native to the UK. This pretty low-growing plant is the perfect all-rounder, giving evergreen ground cover all year. Since it requires full sun, it benefits from being in a south-facing or west-facing garden.

Reaching a maxmimum height of around 10cm tall with a spread of 0.5 metres, you don't have to worry about this creeping succulent from taking over the garden.

Only available from smaller nurseries – English Stonecrop can be bought at Naturescape and Wildflowers.uk.

2. Chamaemelum nobile (Chamomile)

Belonging to the daisy family, chamomile is a dense matt-forming plant and one of the best native plants to stop weeds. 'With a lovely apple scent, chamomile thrives in warm, sunny spots,' says Julian Palphramand from British Garden Centres.

For weeds between paving, Sally Cunningham from Garden Organic advises planting chamomile between the cracks. 'It will withstand light foot traffic and occupy the space where a weed might grow,’ says Sally.

Chamomile can be grown from seed – Crocus sells a packet with approx 400 seeds – or they can be purchased as established plants – like these from JParker's.

If hoping to use chamomile as a low-maintenance lawn alternative, then make sure you follow the expert advice on how to grow a chamomile lawn for the greatest chance at success.

3. Galium odoratum (Woodruff)

This matt-forming perennial is perfect for spaces where weeds are a constant battle. Forming dense ground coverage prevents light from accessing the soil beneath and stops weeds from thriving.

In addition to its weed-fighting powers, it's also a beautiful plant in its own right. 'I love sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) with its whorls of bright green leaves and a confetti of white-scented flowers in spring,' says Sarah Raven, garden expert.

Sarah Raven sells a set of three Galium Odoratum in 9cm pots – perfect for adding instant character to the garden – while Gardening Express sells a single larger Galium Odoratum in a 2ltr pot.

4. Lamium galeobdolon (Yellow Archangel)

A pollinator-friendly choice, this perennial is also known as Yellow Archangel on account of its wing-shaped speckled leaves and yellow blooms. It is the flowers – which bloom in spring and summer – that make Lamium galeobdolon one of the best plants for bees.

'Tough and resilient, they thrive in shade on almost any soil, making them ideal ground cover,' explains experts from Thompson & Morgan. Lamium galeobdolon 'Hermann's Pride' is available at Thompson & Morgan in a 1lt pot, ready to plant in the garden.

5. Ajuga reptans (Bugleherb)

'Ajuga forms dense foliage that is perfect for keeping weeds at bay. Deep blue flowers appear on spikes in spring and summer. Plant by slightly damp, shady paths, close together, and the individual plants will intertwine as they grow,' explains gardening expert, Leigh Clapp.

An added benefit of Ajuga is that it is easy to propagate. 'In moist conditions, Ajuga spreads rapidly, creating a loose mat. To control, simply cut off sections – if you aren't sure then make sure you learn how to trim ground cover plants – and replant them to add to different parts of the garden,' says Annelise Brilli, horticultural expert for Thompson & Morgan.

You can purchase Ajuga reptans from as established plants from Gardening Express or as seeds from Crocus.

Although you may be winding down your gardening antics now that autumn is here, you might still have a few pesky dandelions, nettles, or chickweed hanging around. And while you could leave them to take over your garden, it’s better to get rid of them as soon as possible. But can you kill weeds in autumn?

During the spring and summer months, killing weeds is almost like a full-time job. Most people spend their weekends trying to keep weeds out of flower beds and finding animal and plant-friendly ways to get rid of weeds naturally. But, sadly, weeds don’t just disappear as soon as summer does, and weeds can run wild in autumn - potentially damaging next year’s garden in the process.

As Morris Hankinson, Managing Director of Hopes Grove Nurseries, explains, ‘Autumn is the start of a less busy time in the garden, but there is always something to be doing outside, and weeding is one of them.’ So, if you want to kill weeds in autumn, this is how.

Can you kill weeds in autumn?

While there are certain things that you should never do in autumn (like pruning these eight plants), there are also many things that are best done during the cooler, darker days of the year. And de-weeding your garden is one of them.

As Morris says, ‘Before it gets much colder, weeds are still in active growth although less vigorous and lawns are less stressed than in the summer months. If the soil is wet as well, this makes pulling weeds a lot easier.’

But that’s not the only reason you should get rid of weeds in autumn. Morris also adds, ‘Removing weeds in autumn means they won’t set seed or hide under the soil over winter, ready to grow next spring.’

This is echoed by the experts at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), who say, ‘Autumn digging very efficiently kills annual weeds and allows you to pick out any perennial weed roots.’

Yes, that means that by getting rid of weeds in autumn, you can reduce the chances of more weeds popping up next year. As a result, you should have more time to spend on the fun things in your garden - like adding evergreen plants for year-round appeal or covering an ugly garden wall with something much more beautiful.

It’s also highly likely that autumn weeding will promote even bigger and better growth elsewhere in your garden. After all, if your plants or lawn don’t have to compete with weeds for water and nutrients, they’ll be able to thrive.

You just need to make sure that you’re removing as much of the weed root and seeds as possible to prevent them from popping back up next year when they’re exposed to warmth and sunlight again. That’s why we’d suggest using the Ideal Home-approved Root Slayer to remove them, and then tilling the soil with a garden hoe to dislodge any remaining weed seeds.

Of course, removing weeds in autumn - especially if you want to get rid of weeds in your lawn - can be challenging due to the wet weather. But these are easily fixed.

‘If you end up with a patchy lawn from pulling weeds, add some topsoil and reseed, especially if the weather is mild,’ advises Morris. Remember that you’ll need to take certain measures if you want to sow grass seed in November, though.

Thankfully, getting rid of weeds in your patios and pathways during autumn is a lot easier than in your garden borders or lawn. Most of the time, you should be able to simply pull them out at the root as long as you don’t make any weeding mistakes in the process.

Doing all this now also means that you can prepare your garden for winter with ease. And as Morris says, this will be ‘one less job to do when things get busy in the garden!’

Don’t worry if you miss the boat, though. Weeding can generally be done at any time of the year - as long as it’s not snowy or icy. But if you want to get a head state for next year, autumn weeding can be extremely beneficial.

FAQs

When should you not spray weeds?

Whether you choose to use a herbicide or a non-chemical form of weed control, spraying is often the best course of action to get an even coverage. But you should never spray weeds when it’s raining, as this will be a pointless endeavour. The rain will simply wash the weed control away before it can work its magic.

You should also avoid spraying weeds when the temperature is too hot, as it will evaporate too quickly - once again making your efforts completely ineffective.

What is the best time for the removal of weeds?

Although many people will have to de-weed their garden throughout the year, most experts would say that it’s best to remove weeds before they have the chance to flower or go to seed. This will limit the potential spread of weeds.

You could even remove weeds just as they are emerging if you’re quick enough, as this reduces the amount of water and nutrients they steal from the other plants in your garden.

'A weed is just a plant in the wrong place,' or so the saying goes – so what's the best way to prevent them from doing exactly that? Why, by learning how to use bark to stop weeds, of course!

If you're looking for methods for how to keep weeds out of flower beds, one of the best is using a bag of bark chippings to suppress them. 'Bark can be an excellent weed suppressant,' promises award-winning garden designer Zoe Claymore.

Why? Because bark chippings 'break down slowly to improve drainage and add organic matter to the soil,' she explains, noting that this won't just kill weeds; it will 'improve water retention and regulation and can smarten the look of your planted areas, too'.

How to use bark to stop weeds

If you're set on learning how to get rid of weeds naturally, then bark chippings is very much the way forward.

'Adding a layer of well rotted organic matter to the top of the soil will keep the sunlight getting to the weeds growing in between your plants, not to mention feed the soil at the same time,' says Morris Hankinson, director of Hopes Grove Nurseries.

What you will need

As well as a weed barrier fabric (such as Suregreen Weed Control Fabric from Amazon) or a thick layer of cardboard, you will, of course, need some bark chippings for this garden task.

'If you have kids look out for play-safe bark, which is what I go to usually anyway,' adds Zoe.

Try something like Melcourt Play Bark from Country Supplies if this is the case for you. Then, cast your eyes downwards for our tips and advice on how to use bark to stop weeds like a pro...

Now that you have the tools you need to hand, here's what you should do if you want to use bark to stop weeds taking over your garden.

1. Weed the area

It doesn't matter if it's a garden border or raised flower bed, Morris says you will need to weed the area thoroughly before you sprinkle even a single piece of bark chipping.

'Before putting bark chip down, make sure the area has been well weeded especially focusing on removing any tenacious or perennial weeds, which can grow through almost anything,' he advises.

2. Cover the ground

Once you've finished weeding, it's time to lay down a weed barrier fabric down or a thick layer of cardboard.

'This will substantially reduce the likelihood of weeds growing through your chippings,' says Morris.

3. Lay your bark chippings

Finally, the most important step in How To Use Bark To Stop Weeds 101: lay your bark chippings.

'Mulch around the plants 2-3 inches deep after planting or to help lock in moisture and reduce annual seeds from germinating,' says Zoe, who cautions that it's important you leave a space around the base of established shrubs.

'This will allow good air flow and reduce the risk of collar rot.'

FAQs

Will weeds grow through bark chippings?

Will weeds grow through bark chippings? In a word, yes – but there is a lot you can do to limit that happening in the first place, promises Morris Hankinson of Hopes Grove Nurseries.

Ideally, you should weed the area thoroughly before you lay your bark chippings. Then, lay down some cardboard or a weed-suppressing fabric for an extra layer of protection.

'Over time, annual weeds may grow, but these are easy to remove by hand so keeping on top of doing this is important,' he says.

'A fresh layer of bark chippings will be needed overtime because they will break down. The deeper the layer of bark, the less likely weeds will grow through.'

Can you put bark on top of soil?

You absolutely can put bark on top of soil. In fact, if you want to keep unwanted plants at bay (and don't fancy using ground cover plants to prevent weeds) it's actually advisable, especially if you want to avoid using chemical control.

Knowing how to use bark to stop weeds is a brilliant skill for any gardener to learn, no matter their skill level – not least of all because so many pros have labelled it the most effective weeding method.

Throw in the fact it's such a pretty look for any garden, and you have the best of both worlds. We'll race you to the checkouts for that last bag of bark, then...

If you're looking for an efficient garden watering system that's reliable and time-saving, it's worth looking into drip watering setups. But what is drip watering?

Before you learn how to set up a drip watering system, you need to understand how one works. This handy irrigation system for plants will make gardening easier than ever, and even keep your plants alive while you're on holiday. But is it good enough for you to ditch the watering can once and for all?

Here's everything you need to know about drip watering and its benefits in the garden.

What you'll need

Drip watering: the basics

Essentially, drip watering does exactly what it says on the tin. Instead of watering your plants from above - say, by using a watering can or even a sprinkler system - it waters your plants by drip-feeding water to them at ground level or lower.

Sean Lade, managing director at Easy Garden Irrigation, explains, ‘Drip watering - also called drip irrigation - is an incredibly efficient way to water plants by delivering the water directly to the roots through a network of pipes, valves, tubing and emitters.’

He adds, ‘By targeting specific areas, a drip watering system allows for automatic and precise watering control, ensuring optimal growth and health for each plant. It essentially helps create a thriving garden with minimal effort!’

Drip watering systems typically come in two different forms. While some systems are more basic (think an upside-down plastic bottle with a spout coming out), others are more advanced and can be connected to your outdoor water tap and spread out across the garden. This GARDENA Micro-Drip-System from Amazon, for example, is perfect for containers.

Some smart watering systems can also be controlled by apps and timers, like the Hozelock Select Plus Watering Timer (also available at Amazon), and you can even find some drip watering systems that use buckets or the water from water butts for those who don't have an outdoor tap., like the Hozelock Solar Select from B&Q.

What are the advantages of drip watering?

1. It saves water

When you water your plants with a watering can or garden hose, it can be hard to know just how much you need to water them. So, most of the time, you simply water until you can see liquid leaking out of the containers or your garden borders look sodden.

Doing this can result in a lot of unnecessary water wastage. And if you want to save money on your water bill, you’re doing yourself a disservice.

Thankfully, a drip watering system can actually help to save water. Jess Thomas, drainage expert at Drainage Central, explains, ‘It delivers water directly to the plant's roots, meaning that water isn't wasted on surrounding areas. It also prevents runoff.’

Not only that, but Sean also adds, ‘Due to their high efficiency, drip irrigation systems are also often exempt from UK hosepipe bans, ensuring healthy plants during periods of excess heat and water restrictions.’

2. It prevents under or overwatering

Another advantage of drip watering is that it prevents under or overwatering your plants, which is a common container garden problem. Instead, it should maintain a consistent moisture level that will ensure optimal health.

Jess says, ‘Because you can carefully and precisely control how much water is used, it means that your plants will always be in good health in terms of watering levels.’

Watering from the soil and the base of the plant (rather than watering the whole plant from above with a watering can) can also help to keep the foliage dry. This will prevent the plant from drowning and can even keep common plant diseases like powdery mildew at bay.

3. It can keep weeds at bay

If you spend your days trying to get rid of weeds, you’re not alone. As well as invading your lawn, they can also take over your flower beds and even grow up through your container garden. But did you know that incorrect watering can lead to weeds, too?

In fact, that’s one of the main reasons why you should consider adding a drip irrigation system to your garden. Watering this way can actually stop weeds from growing in the first place.

‘It does this by not watering the spaces in between plants, therefore meaning that the weeds can't grow,’ explains Jess. Instead, it focuses on watering the plants and the plants alone.

4. It’s convenient

Large gardens can be difficult to water evenly, especially if you lead a busy life and have limited time to spend in the garden, and it can be tricky to figure out how often to water the garden in hot weather. After all, the smallest mistake can make a big difference to the health of your plants. Alongside this, it can also be hard to maintain a garden watering schedule if you regularly go on holiday or work trips.

That’s where drip watering systems really come into their own. Depending on the type of system you get, you either need to turn on the outdoor tap or keep the manual self-watering systems topped up with water every now and then. So, they’re very convenient and require minimal effort.

If you opt for a smart watering system - with something like this Eve Aqua Smart Water Controller from Amazon - you could even keep an eye on the weather forecast back home while you’re sunning yourself by the pool and use an app to turn your drip watering system on.

What are the disadvantages of drip watering?

1. It can be costly

If you’re looking for a budget garden idea, drip watering is something you need to seriously consider before taking the plunge. And while you can buy affordable self-watering drip irrigation equipment, like this quick-connect drip irrigation system kit from Amazon, proper hose systems will set you back a pretty penny.

Jess says, ‘To get the whole system set up can be costly.’ If you opt for a professional-grade irrigation system, you may even have to pay to install it.

However, as we mentioned, a drip irrigation system will only use the water it needs - meaning you’ll save money on your water bill, potentially balancing out the initial cost.

2. It requires planning

While you may be inclined to buy a drip irrigation system on a whim, it’s important to note that not all gardens need one. Then, you have to decide what kind of system you want to install and avoid making any irrigation mistakes.

Sean says, ‘Select the appropriate tubing, emitters, and accessories based on the size of your garden and plant needs. Simple emitter systems or soaker hoses work for smaller gardens, whereas larger gardens might need more complex setups with multiple zones.’

Not only that, but you should also consider the plants in your garden. If your outside space is full of drought-tolerant plants, you shouldn’t need to water them as much - meaning you might not need the convenience of a drip watering system.

If you have flood-proof plants that love to be in waterlogged soil, though, it’s probably best to have one in place to keep them well-watered. This is echoed by Jess, who says, ‘Knowing which plants need what and planning your setup is essential.’

3. Setup and maintenance can be a hassle

When you water your garden with a watering can or a hose, maintenance is pretty easy. You just need to protect your garden hose during the winter and keep your watering can clean to keep up your watering efforts, and that’s it.

That’s not the case with drip watering, though, and a major disadvantage of drip watering is that setting up and maintaining these systems can be a hassle - especially if you opt for a smarter, more modern system or have a large area that needs to be maintained.

Sean suggests, ‘Set aside maintenance time to regularly check for leaks and clogs or issues that will affect the performance of the drip watering system.’

FAQs

Is drip watering better than a sprinkler?

This all depends on your needs. If you’re looking to keep your lawn watered over the summer or have a larger area of plants to cover, a sprinkler can come in handy.

However, drip irrigation systems are much better for those who want to focus on watering their plants and prevent water wastage in the process. That’s because water irrigation systems target the area directly around the plant rather than watering the garden area as a whole.

They also offer a much deeper watering, which is perfect for those who struggle to maintain a watering schedule and want to keep their plants moist. Plus, drip irrigation systems can prevent weed growth while sprinklers encourage it.

Should I run drip irrigation every day?

Ultimately, you should decide how often to run your drip irrigation system by inspecting your garden, the weather forecast, and the plants you want to water.

In most cases, however, you should aim to run drip irrigation around three times a week in the summer (perhaps more during a heatwave, but always remember to water first thing in the morning), twice a week during the spring, and once a week (or less) during the autumn.

It’s unlikely that you’ll need to run drip irrigation during the winter months, but again, this all depends on the weather and your garden at the time.

During these runs, aim to keep your system on for around 20 minutes to get the most out of them.

Now you know what drip watering is, will you be investing in this system for your garden?

Need help identifying the most common garden weeds? You've come to the right place, whether you're interested in learning how to get rid of weeds naturally or use more intense methods to kill weeds off for good.

It's important to know your enemy. Indeed, many gardening pros say that one of the biggest weeding mistakes you can make is failing to identify the invasive plants before you set to work banishing them from your backyard – particularly as so many can be surprisingly beneficial to your garden.

'All plants have a place, so a weed really is only a plant growing somewhere you don’t want it to grow,' says Morris Hankinson, director of Hopes Grove Nurseries, who notes that 'many common "weeds" are useful'.

Here's our round-up of the common weeds to watch out for, and what you should do if they appear in your garden.

1. Bindweed

One of the most common garden weeds, the pretty flowers on this invasive plant can make it a welcome addition to any wildlife garden (pollinators love them!).

'There are two types of bindweed; calystegia sepium (hedge bindweed) and convolvulus arvensis (field bindweed),' says Morris.

'They are both similar although hedge bindweed is the one you will see creeping through hedges and binding itself around plants, before producing big white trumpet shaped flowers. Field bindweed is lower growing and often has smaller white or pink flowers.'

The best way to deal with bindweed is to dig it up by the roots. 'The plant can be weakened by continuously cutting it back and pulling up roots despite its ability to continue growing,' adds Morris. 'If you turn your back, it will pop right back up to tease you!'

2. Chickweed

Another surprisingly beautiful common garden weed, chickweed is low growing with small white flowers.

'It is a UK native plant which is great for insects,' says Morris, who adds that many small birds eat the seeds and pollinators enjoy the flowers.

'It generally isn’t a nuisance until it sets seed and can then grow all over the garden. And, as an edible and medicinal plant, it has many uses so don’t be too quick to remove it.'

If it has taken over your garden, use something like the Spear & Jackson Kew Gardens 3540KEW Carbon Steel Dutch Hoe from Amazon to hoe the area regularly.

'If you have a large area of chickweed, cover it over with a heavy mulch,' he adds.

3. Creeping buttercup

The bright yellow flowers of creeping buttercup mean that it's fast shedding its status as one of the most common garden weeds and getting rebranded as a wonderful wildflower garden idea instead.

That being said, the plant boffins at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) say 'its spreading habit and dense network of shoots, runners and roots can make it unwelcome in some parts of the garden'.

Try deadheading the plants, hoeing off seedlings, or smothering them with cardboard and woodchips.

4. Plantain

Plantain (aka plantago major) spreads rapidly, and so is generally considered one of the most common garden weeds. 'However, this well known plant is also an antihistamine, antifungal and antioxidant,' says Morris, who adds that it can even be used to help to calm nettle stings.

'The leaves grow in a rosette and the thin stems grow tall with the flower heads in white and brown and produce thousands of seeds,' he says, 'so use a hand trowel and fork to lift up ensuring you have pulled out all of the roots.'

5. Couch grass

'Butterflies and moths love couch grass (aka elymus repens),' says Morris.

'However, if you don’t want it growing in your garden, non chemical methods are effective. The fast growing rhizomes can soon creep into your garden beds and lawn and it does also grow from seed. So you could choose to allow a wildflower area with some couch grass in or pull up including as much of the root as you possibly can.'

FAQs

What weeds are in my garden in the UK?

The most common garden weeds in the UK are:

• Dandelions
• Nettles
• Couch grass
• Ground elder
• Bindweed
• Chickweed
• Plantain
• Creeping buttercup

We guess that, now you're acquainted with the most common garden weeds, it's up to you to decide whether they're friend or foe. After all, if you keep on top of their rapid growth, many can make a pretty, useful, and hardy addition to your outdoor space...

Weeding feels like a never-ending task, no matter how many tricks in the book you've exhausted. But, suppose you're lucky enough to have some chlorine on hand – as a result of pool or hot tub filter maintenance following the heatwave, for example – you might question whether you can use chlorine to kill weeds.

Among all the many ways to get rid of weeds, using chlorine might seem like a more unconventional (and not as readily available) option; but, similar to using bleach to kill weeds, it does work.

However, given its harsh chemical properties, using chlorine is not exactly the favoured method gardening experts would recommend for removing weeds from a patio or anywhere else in your outdoor space.

'Chlorine, in the form of ordinary household bleach, can indeed kill weeds, as it works by burning the weed's foliage,' begins James Ewens, gardening expert at Green Feathers.

When chlorine is applied directly to the weeds, it causes them to wither and die very quickly. While it seems like a quick fix, James warns that using chlorine is not the best option for your garden in the long run nor is it a suitable method for the majority of people.

'I wouldn't recommend it unless you are having major weed troubles, and if you have a garden or patio that is being completely stripped back, with no current life in it,' adds John Clifford, gardening expert at Gardenstone.

This is because of a handful of reasons. First, chlorine bleach isn't very selective.

'This means it will also kill any other plants it touches besides just the weeds,' explains Victoria Cummins, gardening expert at PlantWhisperer. 'It might damage or destroy flowers, vegetables, herbs and other plants you want to keep in your garden. The soil can also be harmed by chlorine bleach for a long time.'

If you've spent a long time cultivating a wildflower garden or take pride in growing your own vegetables and fruit at home, steering clear of chlorine is a no-brainer to ensure the health of your garden.

Second, it's terrible for the wider ecosystem. 'When chlorine is used in gardens and on patios, it can leach into the groundwater or run off into nearby water bodies when it's raining or after watering,' explains John. It will negatively impact aquatic life as well as animals that drink from the water source, harming any shot you have at encouraging a wildlife-friendly garden.

To add, John warns that 'chlorine can also be harmful to both humans and pets if it's ingested or even comes into contact with skin or fur. It can also release toxic fumes when mixed with other common household chemicals, so this is a big problem if you are currently using other chemicals in your garden.'

On top of being harmful to the environment and potentially causing damage to many garden and patio ideas, using chlorine is still just a temporary solution.

'It kills the weed foliage but leaves the roots intact and unharmed, meaning those pesky plants will likely sprout back,' says James. Failing to ensure weeds are removed right from the root is one of the most common weeding mistakes people often fall victim to.

That said, instead of attempting to use chlorine to kill weeds, there are way better solutions to get rid of weeds in a lawn, patio, or flower beds that are not only more effective but are also far gentler for the environment.

Alternative natural ways to kill weeds

For smaller areas, simply pulling the weeds out by hand when the soil is moist is a tried and tested method to get rid of weeds naturally. 'Although it's generally quite labour-intensive, removing the entire root of the weed is incredibly effective and instant,' assures John.

Another natural way to keep weeds at bay is by using mulch or groundcover plants to stop weeds from growing. This is a particularly effective method for keeping weeds out of flower beds, for example.

Lastly, you can also consider creating a DIY weedicide to tackle the issue. 'Mix white vinegar, water, and a few drops of washing-up liquid together. This can be an effective weed killer, without damaging the environment,' explains John.

'The acetic acid in vinegar draws moisture out of the weeds, meaning that they then dry out and die. This method works best for young, smaller weeds,' he continues.

To conclude, unless it's a very small area like a patio crack or completely destitute like a stripped garden undergoing renovation, using chlorine to kill weeds is not recommended nor expert-approved.

'Natural alternatives are safer and better for continuing to have a healthy, productive garden,' assures Victoria – which is exactly why we'll be opting for the gentler methods to remove weeds to ensure our gardens stay thriving.

Ground cover plants offer a host of benefits in the garden, but perhaps most important is their ability to suppress weed growth. But what are the best ground cover plants to prevent weeds?

From flowering varieties to evergreen stalwarts, there are options for all garden ideas – and besides knowing how to trim ground cover plants, you'll be able to enjoy attractive, low-maintenance borders.

‘Ground cover plants form a dense mat over the soil by spreading low,’ says Jane Dobbs, Team Lead for Gardening at Allan’s Gardeners. ‘Gardeners love these plants because they prevent weeds, reduce soil erosion, and make gardens look great.’

We asked the experts for their top picks for the best ground cover plants to prevent weeds.

1. Bugleweed

First on the list of best ground cover plants to prevent weeds is bugleweed.

'Also known as Ajuga, bugleweed is a fast-spreading ground cover with attractive foliage and blue flower spikes,' says Jane from Allan's Gardeners. 'Sun and partial shade are both suitable for it.'

There are a couple of factors to consider before planting. 'Bugle requires moisture so it doesn't always do well beneath trees and shrubs as the ground can be too rooty and dry,' says Annelise, horticultural expert for Thompson & Morgan. 'In moist conditions, Ajuga spreads rapidly, creating a loose mat of creeping stolons. Simply cut off sections and replant them to spread it around the garden.'

Where to buy bugleweed:

• Crocus: various bugle plants to choose from.
• Gardening Express: Stave off weeds with this range of bugle plants.

2. Creeping thyme

Creeping thyme is an attractive feature to consider when brainstorming garden border ideas, so we're glad to see it make the list of the best ground cover plants to prevent weeds.

'With its small purple flowers and fragrant leaves, creeping thyme is a low-growing perennial,' says Jane from Allan's Gardeners. 'Well-drained soil and sunshine are best for this plant.'

Creeping thyme is also a popular low-maintenance lawn alternative, and it's drought-tolerant, too.

Where to buy creeping thyme:

• Crocus: creeping thyme plants available in several colours.
• Amazon: a wide selection of creeping thyme plants for your garden.

3. Lesser periwinkle

There are ground cover plants to suit every soil type, meaning you'll find at least one match even in more challenging conditions.

'For drier soils in trickier, shadier locations such as under trees or on slopes and banks I would choose the lesser periwinkle, Vinca minor 'Variegata Alba',' says Kate Turner, gardening guru at Miracle-Gro. 'They have pretty, evergreen glossy leaves that have white edges and star-shaped white flowers.

'Unlike its cousin, the major periwinkle, this is easier to control and prettier, and it's one of the best ground cover plants to prevent weeds.'

Where to buy lesser periwinkle:

• Gardening Express: classic blue lesser periwinkle plants to add to your border.
• J Parker's: white lesser periwinkle ground cover plants are available.

4. Hardy geraniums

Hardy geraniums don't just look good in a garden border or raised flower bed – they're also one of the best ground cover plants to prevent weeds.

'For gorgeous spring to late summer flowering cover, go for cottage garden geraniums,' says Kate, for whom hardy geraniums are a number one choice.

'Not the big blowsy Mediterranean types used in containers and hanging baskets, but the lower growing, pinks, whites and blues of the perennial geranium such as Geranium Clarkeii 'Kashmir White' or Geranium Sanguineum. Pretty cup-shaped flowers on delicate foliage belies their toughness and these spread beautifully without becoming invasive.'

Annelise from Thompson & Morgan also recommends hardy geraniums as one of the best ground cover plants to prevent weeds: 'Geranium ‘Rozanne’ is the longest flowering ground cover geranium I know. It’s a vigorous and resilient plant, capable of bouncing back from the summer droughts we have been having while also coping well with winter wet.

'It has fairly lax, wiry stems, flopping nicely over edges or propping itself up against adjacent plants. Its flowering period is astounding and – provided it has sufficient moisture, sun and food – it will keep pumping out blooms from May to October.'

Where to buy hardy geraniums:

• J Parker's: a huge selection of hardy geraniums to choose from.
• Suttons: add a stunning hardy geranium collection to your garden.

5. Lady's mantle

Lady's mantle is a popular choice for garden borders, and it also makes the list of the best ground cover plants to prevent weeds – especially when coupled with catmint.

'Alchemilla mollis, or lady's mantle, is especially effective when partnered with varieties of catmint (Nepeta),' says Annelise.

'Both make excellent ground cover for border edges, are drought tolerant and enjoy free-draining, sunny sites. They have nicely contrasting foliage and flower in perfect unison with the lime-green frothy flowers of the Alchemilla, beautifully highlighting the blue spikes of the Nepeta.

'Once flowering is over, both can be cut right down to the ground and fed and watered, producing fresh foliage and hopefully a second flush of flowers.'

Where to buy lady's mantle and catmint:

• Thompson & Morgan: several varieties of lady's mantle to choose from.
• Sarah Raven: purple varieties of catmint to add to your garden border.

6. Heucheras

Heuchera are another popular ground cover plant that helps to prevent weeds. Not only do they make stunning winter flowers for hanging baskets and shade-loving plants for pots, but they also thrive in the ground.

‘Heucheras are excellent at any time of year, bringing unusual colour and stunning low mounds of foliage to borders and beds,’ says Stephanie Harrod, founder of Harrod Horticultural.

Where to buy heucheras:

• Gardening Express: a striking heuchera collection to liven up your ground cover.
• Thompson & Morgan: a spectrum of heuchera plants to choose from.

7. English ivy

Borders are a great place to test your ivy garden ideas, and English ivy also happens to be one of the best ground cover plants to prevent weeds.

'English ivy is a tough, climbing ground cover that can grow under all kinds of conditions,' says Jane from Allan's Gardeners.

'With its evergreen foliage, it offers year-round greenery.'

Where to buy English ivy:

• Gardening Express: pick from several varieties of English ivy.
• Thompson & Morgan: try this non-climbing English ivy plant to help prevent weeds.

8. Japanese spurge

Pachysandra isn't just a great option for living wall ideas - you can grow it as ground cover to prevent weeds, too.

'Pachysandra terminalis, or Japanese spurge, is another evergreen ground cover that performs well in shade,' says Jane from Allan's Gardeners. 'Due to its dense growth habit, it is effective at suppressing weeds.'

Where to buy Japanese spurge:

• Crocus: two varieties of Japanese spurge plant to choose from.
• Amazon: a wide selection of Japanese spurge plants to browse.

9. Anemones

'Anemones are a nice perennial option for late summer shows,' says Stephanie from Harrod Horticultural. 'They boast a carpet of foliage covering the ground and tall, narrow flowers emerging from the top.'

Where to buy anemones:

• Gardeners Dream: a vibrant pink anemone plant to brighten up your garden border.
• Suttons: a beautiful range of anemone plants.

10. The ice plant

Sprinkle some colour into your border by adding the ice plant to your garden.

'The ice plant has bright, daisy-like flowers,' says Jane from Allan's Gardeners. 'It's highly drought-tolerant, perfect for sunny, dry spots.'

It's a succulent, and also a perennial plant, meaning it will stick around for years to come.

Where to buy the ice plant:

• Dobies: choose from a bright range of ice plant varieties.
• Thompson & Morgan: hot pink ice plants to feature in your ground cover.

FAQs

Do ground cover plants suppress weeds?

If you're wondering if ground cover plants will stop weeds growing in your garden, you'll be pleased to know it's one of several advantages they offer.

'Ground cover plants are traditionally used as weed cover and to help bind soil, especially on a slope,' says Kate Turner from Miracle-Gro. 'They are generally easy to maintain as well as being starters in their own right.

'Try not to choose anything too vigorous such as a low, fast-growing bamboo, which will take over your garden, or the classic Cotoneaster horizontalis, as this can look straggly very quickly and weeds always seem to find a way through!'

What is the best low maintenance ground cover?

'Creeping thyme, sedums, bugleweed, creeping Jenny, lesser periwinkle and Pachysandra are great examples of low-maintenance groundcovers,' says Jane from Allan's Gardeners.

'These fast-growing plants all provide unique benefits, like easily tolerating foot traffic, and can thrive with little care, making them excellent ground covers for low-maintenance gardens.'

Grow these ground cover plants to prevent weeds

Hopefully, this list will give you plenty of inspiration for adding ground cover plants to prevent weeds in your garden. Which varieties will you be trying?

Weeding your patio can feel like an endless task – new weeds seem to spring up as soon as you finish wheedling out the last set, even when you’ve exhausted every patio weed hack you know.

If you're looking for new ways to remove weeds from a patio and keep them from thwarting your patio idea plans, you might want to try Nancy Birtwhistle's patio weed hack.

The hack went viral on Instagram after Nancy (of Great British Bake Off fame) uploaded a reel demonstrating how she simply pours boiling water and salt on the weeds and scrapes them away a few days later. Followers hailed the hack 'brilliant' and pledged to try it on their own patios.

That’s why Ideal Home’s Editor-in-Chief Heather Young decided to try it out. ‘I really struggle to keep on top of the weeds on our paved front path, so when I saw this hack on Instagram I instantly wanted to give it a go,’ Heather said.

Perhaps the most appealing thing about this patio weed hack is that the ingredients are completely natural. The viral patio weed hack has two simple steps, and both involve ingredients you’ll find in your kitchen: water and salt.

‘Don’t go out buying path clear and spot weed killer,’ Nancy said in her Instagram reel. ‘Those things are so toxic, so bad for the environment and costly.’

‘We can do it effectively, cheaply and safely.’

How it works is you simply pop the kettle on, then pour the boiling water over the weeds growing between your patio. Then, sprinkle a tiny bit of salt over them.

Wait a few days, and then you should be able to easily pull the dead weeds out of the cracks. ‘Three or four days later, the dandelions are gone, and they’ll not be back this season,’ Nancy revealed at the end of her video.

To save bending down to pull the weeds up you can try the Spear & Jackson 4854WP Mechanical Weed Puller.

Heather was pleased with the results, too. ‘It was very quick and easy, using things I always have to hand, and three days later the weeds were dried out and easy to remove. I’m keeping my fingers crossed they don’t come back!’

How does it work?

The idea of this patio weed hack is that the boiling water and salt work together to dehydrate your weeds.

'Pouring boiling water and salt on your patio weeds essentially results in extreme dehydration,' explains John Clifford, director at Gardenstone. 'When the roots absorb the boiling water and salt solution, it disrupts the weeds' water balance and causes them to wilt.

'It is crucial that the salt is applied with boiling water as it is water-soluble, so on its own it cannot be absorbed as effectively through the roots of the weeds.'

This double-whammy effect makes sure the weed shrivels up in time for you to remove it a few days later. You can easily brush away the remnants with a weed brush like the Newman and Cole long-handle weed brush from Amazon, which we recently tested.

Is it safe for the environment?

Some of our followers were concerned that this patio weed hack is unsafe for the wildlife in our gardens, so we wanted to check in with the experts.

Used around other plants, salt can absolutely do more harm than good. 'Once saltwater is applied to weeds it remains in the ground's soil for a long period of time, often indefinitely unless the soil is replaced,' explains John. 'This can harm surrounding plants and prevent new growth, so although it will prevent weeds, it’ll also harm planting in this area.

'However, salt is ideal for using on a patio as there are no surrounding plants and the weeds in this area will stay away for a long period of time'.

So, while salt is harmful when used in the wrong places, areas like patios are a relatively safe bet – and it can even stave off future weed growth.

Nancy herself recommends hand weeding on soil where other plants are growing nearby, so keep this hack handy for when you see them peeping up through cracks in your patio instead.

Any keen gardener will tell you that as well as many gardening benefits such as exercise, stress management and rewarding fulfilments of outdoor beauty, there are a few gardening jobs that are instant downers. One such chore begs the question, how to keep weeds out of flower beds?

Weeding a garden can seem like a never-ending task. No sooner have you spent an exhausting weekend pulling the dominators out of your borders and beds, they are back spreading corruption amongst your beautiful flower bed ideas.

But, why is it you rarely see a weed at The Chelsea Flower Show or a National Trust Gardens curated by landscaping professionals? So, we asked the gardening experts to let us in on their secrets for how to get rid of weeds in flower beds. Here's what they said.

How to keep weeds out of flower beds

When considering garden weed control there are a few garden mistakes to avoid so it's important to approach garden weeding with caution.

Yes, you want to know how to kill weeds but you certainly do not want to kill plants you've spent time and money perfecting as well.

Therefore, prevention and regular maintenance is the key to keeping weeds out of your flowerbeds and these are the best ways to do it.

What you'll need

1. Prepare the soil

The term 'it's all in the preparation' rings true when learning how to get weeds out of flower beds. It pays to plan for emerging weed threats by preparing and filtering the soil before planting your chosen bedding plants for shade or garden border blooms that enjoy full sun.

A top garden job to do in April is to enrich your soil, so combine this with a good weed filter too. Dig over the flowerbed to remove any left-over dead plants and all weeds plus their roots. Pull a rake over the surface of the soil until it resembles fine sand.

2. Plant strategically

When planting raised beds and garden borders fill your beds with tightly spaced plants to squeeze out any weed growth. 

'Make sure to plant thickly to fill up your bed fully and help shade out the weeds. Ensure that you also mulch well after planting and try not to disturb the soil as much as possible,' confirms Alisdair Moore, Head Gardener at The Lost Gardens of Heligan.

Mulch? you say. We'll come to that.

3. Consider companion planting

As well as packing out flower beds, it pays to fill them with a carefully selected planting scheme species. Companion planting is a clever gardening hack to rid beds of lots of pests including weeds.

Choose plants that are friends to filter out the faux by filling up empty patches. Or, mix tall and short plants to utilise the space.

'My favourite is Vinca minor ‘Atropurpurea’ which has bold purple flowers that burst out like little surprises early in the year. This evergreen plant will spread slowly through the bed creating an evergreen mat of underplanting, that will eventually crowd out the weeds and stop them from taking root,' explains Harriet Worsley of Worsley Design & Consultancy .

'It takes time to establish a dense spread, and it can be a little rampant, but it’s perfect if you have plants such as the tall Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’.'

4. Mulch the flowerbeds

Did you ask what is mulching? Mulches or mulching is a gardening term that means covering soil with loose covering such as lawn cuttings, hot compost or garden bark. It has many benefits, from helping to get rid of brambles to preventing weeds.

'Mulching is a brilliant weed suppressant – whether you mulch with your own compost or end up buying some mulch in,' explains Rosie Fyles, Chiswick House and Garden Trust.

Whatever type of mulch you use be sure that it is weed-free in the first instance.

'Thick mulches are extremely effective at inhibiting germinating weeds, but as most of us do ‘cold composting’ – just gradually adding bits of waste to a cold heap – our compost is full of viable weed seeds so it doesn’t work. Recycled green waste from local council collections is hot-composted, making it sterile, weed-free and perfect for the job,' advises Annelise Brilli, a horticultural expert at Thompson & Morgan.

5. Select natural weed killer

When it comes to knowing how to get rid of weeds from flowerbeds it's wise to keep chemical weed killer well away as the synthetics will be just as harmful to your cherished plants and soil.

'My viewpoint on removing weeds is rather than using chemicals and negatively impacting your soil's biodiversity, it's best to go with a more ecologically friendly method, if possible,' agrees Jamie Shipley, Managing Director of Hedges Direct.

Several natural weed killers are eco-friendly and can often be found in your kitchen cupboard, such as baking soda, white vinegar and in some circumstances, if used correctly, table salt.

'Instead of using a chemical weed killer, lemon, vinegar or rock salt can be used to dry weeds out and kill them through dehydration.'

'These natural herbicides are "non-targeted", meaning they have the potential to harm all plants, not just weeds and will stop any plants from growing in that space for a long time so make sure to keep them well away from any other flower beds in your garden. I recommend only using these methods in paved areas to protect your other plants,' adds Jamie.

6. Focus on old fashioned graft

Most experts agree that the only way to successfully keep weeds out of flower beds is to accept that donning gardening gloves and getting down in the dirt with a weed trowel is the most effective and earth-friendly method to de-weeding your outdoor space.

'Unfortunately having a healthy garden means attracting weeds as well. So, oftentimes the best solution to this is just to hand-pull weeds when you see them. Make sure you're getting roots and all to prevent them from simply re-growing,' says Ryan Farley, CEO of LawnStarter.

FAQs

What are the worst weeds for flowerbeds? 

Persistent weeds to look for and keep a check on are bindweed, ground elder and mare’s tail.

'Weeds will grow quickly during the summer so it’s important to stay on top of weeding to prevent them from setting seeds for later in the season and next year. Persistent, perennial weeds such as bindweed, ground elder and mare’s tail should be pulled or hoed regularly. This will prevent them from being able to photosynthesise and gradually knock them back until they no longer return,' says Jamie Shipley.

When's the best time to weed flowerbeds? 

Weeds are most troublesome to gardeners in spring and summer, so start the year as you mean to go on by getting to grips with the weeding.

Now you can stop spending that precious time in your garden on weeding, and focus on relaxing this summer.

Baking soda is one of the handiest items to have in our homes. Not only is it an essential component in many of our favourite bakes and dishes but it also has a number of other functions, from eliminating odours and whitening laundry to cleaning stubborn stains. And because of this, you might have found yourself asking, does baking soda kill weeds?

Weeds can instantly give our gardens, patios and driveways a bit of an unkempt appearance and if you’ve tried quite a few ways to kill weeds, you’ll probably be on the lookout for other methods to make the job that bit easier. And that’s where cleaning with baking soda – or bicarbonate of soda, as it is also known – could be a good alternative.

You might have already turned to some natural remedies to deal with your weeds in a bid to steer clear of more chemical-filled weed killers. For example, using salt to kill weeds and white vinegar to kill weeds. But despite it being possible to use baking soda to kill weeds, experts urge gardeners to be cautious when using this popular cleaning product in their outdoor spaces.

Does baking soda kill weeds?

While you may have already mastered the baking soda sofa cleaning hack, what you might not realise is that this product is pretty universal. In addition to helping you clean inside your home, it can also help you tidy up the outside of your home - especially if you’re looking to get rid of pesky weeds.

That’s because baking soda - AKA sodium bicarbonate - is essentially a salty alkaline powder that dehydrates and kills weeds in their tracks. In fact, Ted Bromley-Hall of UK landscaping materials manufacturer IBRAN, explains, ‘For the weed, it's death by thirst!’

'Baking soda is composed of sodium and bicarbonate and is slightly alkaline, which makes it good at desiccating plants, drying them up so quickly and effectively that it's impossible for them to drink any more water.’

When this happens, it shouldn’t take long for the foliage to die. Then, you should be able to pull up the weeds (including the roots) and prevent them from returning. There’s an art to successfully killing weeds with baking soda, though.

‘You'll need around a tablespoon per litre of water as a baseline, whilst larger, more established weeds will need stronger concentrations to shift,' says Ted. 'It's also best to apply the solution to the plant on sunny days, as rain will dilute or wash away the soda.’

And while you may be inclined to simply fill a spray bottle with water and baking soda, Ted urges you to consider a different option.

‘You can put the solution into a spray bottle, but it will result in the bottle "furring up",’ Ted explains. ‘Plus, it's harder to control the application as the spray nozzle could end up spraying it onto plants you want to keep. The most direct way to apply the solution is to paint it onto the weeds.’

‘As the sun evaporates the water from the bicarb solution, it leaves behind a baking soda "film" around the outside, which pulls water out through the pores in the leaves, which in turn pulls moisture up through the stem, drying out the whole plant.’

But while using baking soda is a nifty hack, it’s important to understand that killing weeds with baking soda isn’t always the right course of action. In fact, there are quite a few things that you should never clean with bicarb - which is why it’s essential to keep this product away from your precious lawn and plants.

This is because the high salt content in baking soda won’t just kill weeds. It will also kill any greenery that it comes into contact with, leaving you with dead grass and dried-up garden borders.

Instead, you should focus on learning the correct way to get rid of weeds in a lawn and using a plant-friendly alternative around other plants.

‘Personally, whilst baking soda is a good option for tackling weeds, as is vinegar, nothing can beat doing it manually with some sturdy gloves and a shovel of some kind, digging or pulling them out by the root,' says Thomas Hamilton from WeedingTech. 'It might take longer, but it's good exercise, and it should permanently kill the weed - if you can get all the roots out!’

This chemical-free option is echoed by John Clifford, the garden expert at Gardenstone. ‘For a more trustworthy but natural way to remove weeds, you should pull the weeds up by hand, or by using a weed removal tool,’ he urges. ‘Always try natural methods before you choose chemical weed killer, as weed killer can prove dangerous to wildlife and your garden environment.'

What you’ll need

FAQs

How long does it take baking soda to kill weeds?

Unfortunately using baking soda to kill weeds isn’t a quick fix. The experts all agree that it can take anywhere from a few days to a week for you to notice a real difference after applying the chemical compound. So, don’t feel too discouraged if you don’t notice an immediate difference to the pesky weeds in your garden or on your patio or driveway after a day or two, it is highly likely that it just needs a few more days to do its thing.

‘You should see the leaves start to turn brown and die, which then allows you to pull them up by the roots to make removing them easier,’ admits Andy Ellis, a former professional gardener from Posh UK.

Which weeds does baking soda work best on?

If you’re wondering whether or not it will work on your weeds, Steven Bell, ex landscape gardener and owner of Paving Shopper, explains, ‘in my years of gardening, I’ve seen baking soda work wonders on smaller, broadleaf weeds like dandelions, crabgrass, and clover. These weeds have a larger leaf surface area that absorbs the baking soda more effectively.’

Unfortunately, it's not as effective on larger, more established weeds with deep root systems but you can still try doing a few more applications or combining it with other methods to get the results that you’ll be looking for.

Where is the best place to use baking soda to kill weeds?

‘Baking soda is most effective on small, young weeds and those growing in cracks or crevices, such as in driveways or between pavers,’ suggests Halton Stairlifts’ home and garden expert, Neil Mckenzie.

Essentially, you’re looking for areas where you can precisely control where the baking soda will be applied, instead of it being scattered more generally on your lawn or in your flower beds where it could stray onto your beloved blooms and plants, in addition to the weeds.

Should you take any precautions when using baking soda to kill weeds?

You’ll also want to take a few precautions as you go to use this weeding method. First and foremost, try to pick a dry and warm day. The last thing you want is to have gone to the bother of applying it all over your weeds only for the rain to wash it away or the wind to scatter it across your garden. We always recommend wearing gardening gloves when completing this kind of task in your garden, as it prevents any skin irritation, particularly if you have sensitive or reactive skin.

It’s also important to realise that ‘excessive use of baking soda can alter your soil's pH, making it more alkaline, which can affect nutrient availability for your plants,’ warns Steven from Paving Shopper. ‘For example, plants might struggle to access iron in highly alkaline soils, leading to chlorosis (yellowing leaves).’ So, this is why you really want to ensure that you use it as a targeted treatment, instead of more generally.

Plus, baking soda is non-selective, meaning that it can harm any plant it touches, which is another reason to ensure that you are as precise as possible when applying it.

Which is better, to kill weeds with vinegar or baking soda?

If you’ve also wondered if vinegar might be better for banishing weeds, especially when compared with baking soda, they each have their pros and cons. Vinegar ‘instantly dehydrates the weed, showing results within 24 hours and causing them to wilt away,’ Andy clarifies.

So this might be a better option for you if you’re looking to deal with weeds in a more timely manner. However, both methods are most effective on weeds that are still young and small as opposed to grown weeds and can affect the soil's natural pH and harm nearby plants, if not used sparingly and precisely.

‘Personally, I prefer vinegar for fast-acting results on young weeds and baking soda for more controlled, strategic applications,’ concludes Steven from Paving Shopper.

So, yes, baking soda does indeed kill weeds – but you need to make sure it doesn’t kill anything else in your garden, too.

Cecelia Ahern may believe that a weed is just a flower growing in the wrong place, but most gardeners prefer to banish these pesky plants from their gardens. Thankfully, it's easy to learn how to get rid of weeds naturally – so long as you're prepared to put the work in.

That's right: you don't need to pay for expensive weedkillers and chemicals to kill weeds. In fact, many experts would actively advise you not to, especially if you don't want to damage your vegetable garden or flower bed ideas, as well as any wildlife garden ideas you've set up.

'There are many products available claiming to get rid of weeds but unfortunately, most of those won’t be good for the environment and are indiscriminate with what they kill,' explains Morris Hankinson, director of Hopes Grove Nurseries.

How to get rid of weeds naturally

Thankfully, there are more than a few ways to control weeds naturally.

'If you can find a way to keep weeds at bay without turning to chemicals, this will ensure the environment is protected, the soil is safe and weeds are still removed,' promises Morris.

With that in mind, then...

1. Use cardboard

That's right: you can put that stash of empty Amazon boxes to work for you, as experts say you can absolutely use cardboard to get rid of weeds.

'You can use cardboard or any other natural material to lay over the weeds,' explains Morris, who notes that 'weeds cannot grow without any light, so by covering them up this can make a huge difference'.

'In a few months, you can lift the cover and weed out anything left behind, including all of the roots. Some perennial weeds may still creep up through the cover, such as Dock and Bindweed, but these can then be removed by hand.'

2. Get hoeing

Any gardener worth their salt will tell you that a common garden hoe is the best way to help you get rid of weeds naturally.

'All you have to do is take your hoe and run it over the soil – whether that's a raised garden bed or throughout your garden borders – to kill most weeds,' says Christopher O'Donoghue, one of the co-directors at Gardens Revived.

If you want to maximise the effect of this method, the plant boffins at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) advise that you set to work with your hoe on 'a dry day with a light wind, so that the seedlings will dry out on the surface of the bed rather than re-rooting into moist soil'.

3. Try a flame gun

Have you heard of flame weeding? Another natural way to get rid of weeds, it basically demands that you use a flame (or even a burst of very hot air) over your garden weeds, resulting in... well, no more weeds, basically.

'It's perfectly safe, so long as you follow all of the instructions on your flame gun and wear the correct equipment,' says Christopher, who advises you use this method to target those pesky weeds growing between paving slabs and on your driveway.

To reduce the risk of fire spreading, Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service add that you should 'use a garden hose or watering can to damp down areas recently treated', especially during hot weather.

'[Please also] ensure that thorough cooling of the burner has occurred before putting it away,' they state firmly.

4. Opt for the No Dig approach

No Dig May is well and truly upon us, which means green fingered types everywhere are being urged not to dig in their gardens at all. Thankfully, though, there is a way to turn this deliciously lazy gardening technique into a natural way of banishing weeds from your garden.

'You can cut back the weeds, cover them with a thick layer of cardboard, and apply a 10cm layer of mulch on top – or any well rotted organic matter,' says Morris.

'This is the No Dig approach, which helps the soil and saves your back from digging.'

5. Try hand-weeding

If you're looking to get rid of weeds naturally, Morris says that it having the right tools and spending some time weeding can pay dividends in the garden'.

'More tenacious perennial weeds can be pulled up by hand or dug up from the ground, and if you have something with very deep roots, try using a long handled weed puller from Amazon,' he continues.

'This means you won’t need to bend down and the weed can be removed by inserting the puller or twister over the weed and pulling it out.'

A weed knife, such as the Spear & Jackson Traditional Stainless Planting & Weeding Knife from Homebase, is also a great way to remove weeds from between paving slabs and your garden path.

6. Plant some ground cover

Wondering if ground cover plants will stop weeds growing in your garden? The answer is a resounding yes!

'If you are looking to beautify some bare patches in your garden, there are plenty of stunning ground cover plants that will serve to do exactly this – all while suppressing and controlling the growth of weeds,' says Christopher.

You could try any of the following options:

FAQs

What is the best home remedy for weeds?

While some people might insist they have the ultimate home remedy for weeds – whether that be a solution of vinegar, salt and dish soap, or a hearty sprinkling of rock salt – your best bet is to swerve these and instead focus on using more traditional methods.

From mulching to weed suppressant fabrics, ground cover plants to garden tools, control measures such as these are likely to be far more effective as a whole. And, generally, far less damaging to your garden (rock salt, for example, will stop anything from growing in a space for a long time).

How to permanently stop weeds from growing?

It is unlikely you will be able to stop weeds from growing on a permanent basis, although repeatedly smothering or removing weeds from your garden will likely slow their growth over time.

'This is not a one-off garden task,' insists the RHS.

It's also worth noting that times are changing, and experts say there are plenty of weeds to leave in your garden, such as dandelions and clover, as they benefit both the bees and the soil, too!

Now that you know how to get rid of weeds naturally, you can stop spending a fortune on chemicals and herbicides, and instead save your pennies for all the beautiful plants you want to fill your garden with.

Oh sure, it may mean you have to put the work in over the spring and summer months (which is when weeds are most troublesome), but we promise your garden will repay your efforts in time.

EDITOR’S NOTE: An earlier version of this article included a quote from a purported expert whose credentials we have not been able to verify. The quote has been removed. We regret this lapse in our verification process and have updated our internal protocols to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Getting rid of weeds in the garden is no fun job – but a necessary one, unfortunately. But what if you could eliminate the task completely by suppressing the weeds’ growth with something pretty like ground cover plants? The question is – will ground cover plants actually stop weeds from growing in your garden borders? 

According to gardening experts, yes, they will. Which is music to our ears as we love a multipurpose garden hack. Especially when it involves a way how to kill weeds, and quickly beautifying our garden border ideas we’re all for it. And that’s exactly what ground cover plants do.

Ground cover plants are usually low and fast-growing plants that form carpets covering the unsightly bare soil. And that’s how they stop weeds from growing - by not giving them any space or sunlight they need to grow.

Will ground cover plants stop weeds?

Utilising ground cover plants to tackle the issue of weeds works similarly to using cardboard to kill weeds. It’s just a more permanent and aesthetically pleasing solution because unlike cardboard, ground cover plants don’t disintegrate over time.

‘Ground covers can act as living mulches, providing many of the same benefits as actual mulch,’ says Petar Ivanov, Fantastic Gardeners' gardening expert. ‘As soon as they become established, they deter the germination of weed seeds and prevent them from re-emerging.’

However, unlike using white vinegar to kill weeds, ground cover plants can’t get rid of already present, established weeds. They are only a preventative measure, so make sure to remove weeds before planting the new ground cover.

So just like planting bedding plants that slugs hate in your flower borders to deter them, you can be strategic with your ground cover planting to stop weeds in their tracks. And these are some of our experts’ favourite ground cover plants to prevent weeds from growing and adorn your garden, along with where to buy them.

FAQs

What is the best ground cover to stop weeds?

Look for dense evergreen specimens which are planted close together like cedrus ‘feelin blue’, cotoneaster horizontalis and barrenwort.

Planting ground covers in the garden is a no-brainer if you ask us.

If you’re wondering how to get rid of weeds in a lawn, you’re likely dealing with a lawn that’s part grass and part weeds. It doesn’t have to stay that way, though.

Yes, invasive weeds can ruin your lawn care efforts and take over your lawn in just a few days. And while there are so many ways to kill weeds, these methods typically focus on weeds in non-grassy areas of your property and would be ineffective on your lawn. In fact, hacks such as using salt to kill weeds will simply kill your grass in the process. 

That’s why we’ve consulted gardening experts to find out how to get rid of weeds in a lawn once and for all. And the good news is that you have two different options to choose from, no matter whether you want to opt for a natural method or go all-out with a weed killer and lawn feed. 

How to get rid of weeds in a lawn 

‘Even the most manicured lawns can succumb to the invasion of persistent weeds. These unwanted guests can quickly spread if ignored,’ explains Tony Williams, Estates Manager at Mount Ephraim Gardens. ‘Fortunately, addressing this issue is straightforward, particularly during the active growth periods of spring and early summer when weeds are most visible.’ 

So, this is how to get rid of weeds in a lawn. 

What you’ll need

Step-by-step

1. Identify the weeds

Unfortunately, weeds come in all different shapes and sizes, and the key to getting rid of them in a lawn is identifying them first.

Tony says, ‘Weeds are aggressive plants that strive for the same resources as your grass. Typical culprits include dandelions, daisies, clover, and oxalis. These weeds often reveal themselves through flowering, which serves as an early sign of invasion. Additionally, a lawn that looks uneven and patchy might indicate the presence of these invasive plants.’

However, it’s also important to note that there are two main types of weeds: annual and perennial. As you can tell by the name, annual weeds will die after one growing season, while perennials will come back year after year if not dealt with properly. 

That’s why it’s a good idea to understand which weeds need to go and which weeds you can leave in your garden. When you’ve identified the weeds you want to get rid of in your lawn, you then need to time your de-weeding efforts properly. 

Tom Hamilton, CCO of WeedingTech, says, ‘Watch out for weeds that are beginning to flower, as they'll soon set seed, and this will compound your weeding problems. Spring is the most common time to spot weeds germinating as the soil starts to warm up.’ 

So, try and remove weeds from your lawn during the spring or summer months while the grass is still actively growing. 

2. Manually remove them

If you just have a few big weeds dotted around your lawn, or you just want to opt for the most environmentally friendly way to remove weeds, pulling them up manually should do the trick. 

‘For the average gardener, we'd just recommend you try using good-old manual weed control methods,’ says Tom. ‘Dig out the weed as best you can using a hand shovel, trying to take out as much of the root as possible, and do this on a repeated basis as required.’

When you’ve removed the weed, you can then fill the hole with compost and sprinkle grass seed over the top. Keep watering the area until the seed has germinated, and the grass should grow back within weeks. 

But if you don’t fancy getting on your hands and knees to remove weeds using a shovel, you could opt for a weed puller instead. This nifty garden tool means you can pull the weed head and the root from the ground without getting your hands dirty. 

3. Use a weed and feed fertiliser

If weeds have completely destroyed your lawn and manual extraction won’t quite cut it, using a weed and feed fertiliser is your second option. This is a combination of weed killer and grass feed in one single solution.

Tony says, ‘When using a weed and feed fertiliser, you're not only providing essential nutrients to your grass and its roots but also eliminating unwanted weeds.’

Using this product isn’t as simple as spraying or spreading the fertiliser and leaving your lawn to its own devices, though. You need to make sure that you apply it correctly and complete the correct aftercare. 

‘It's crucial to adhere to the product's instructions to apply the correct dosage,’ adds Tom. ‘Most weed killers show results within two weeks, indicated by the discolouration of weeds and potentially moss in your lawn. After achieving the desired outcome, scarify the treated areas and reseed if necessary.’

4. Combine both methods, if possible

The invasive nature of weeds means that improper extraction could cause the weeds to come back sooner than you'd like. Because of this, Tom suggests combining both methods if possible - and only if you’re comfortable using a weed killer on your grass. It won’t suit everyone, though. 

He says, ‘If your lawn is well-established (over six months old), combining both methods might be most effective. However, steer clear of using Weed & Feed products on lawns that are newly seeded.’

In fact, using this concoction on newly seeded grass may disturb the growth of the new seed. But when used properly, this concoction can be the answer to all of your lawn woes. 

After all, ‘Feeding your lawn will help stimulate growth, thus helping the grass compete for space against invading weeds,’ adds Tom. 

4. Keep on top of lawn care

How often do you see weeds on a golf course? That’s because a well-cared-for lawn is less likely to suffer from weed growth. 

So, it’s important to focus on the health of your grass and make sure that you’re regularly feeding, aerating, and scarifying your lawn. This will encourage grass growth, ultimately reducing the chances of weed growth. 

Of course, you should also use one of the best lawnmowers to cut your grass regularly, ensuring it isn’t too short and making sure you don’t damage the grass in the process (by cutting the grass when it’s wet, for example).

Guy Barter, Chief Horticulturalist at RHS, explains, ‘Mowing exerts severe pressure on plants and only those with the growing portion at ground level (grasses) or have rosettes of leaves (daisies for example) or leafy shoots pressed against the soil (e.g. speedwells ) can survive. Therefore, close and frequent mowing is important in keeping lawns weed-free.’

FAQs

Can you kill weeds without killing grass?

Yes! Although using bleach or salt to kill weeds will kill the grass, there are two methods to get rid of weeds in a lawn without killing it in the process. 

Your first option is to remove the weeds manually using a shovel or a weed puller. When you do this, you need to ensure that you also remove the roots, fill the hole with compost, and then sprinkle grass seed on top.

Your second option is to use a weed and feed fertiliser. As well as killing weeds and moss, it will also serve as a grass feed and promote a healthier and thicker lawn. 

What is the best treatment for weeds in the lawn?

If you don’t want to use any chemicals, pulling the weeds out manually is the best treatment. This isn’t always effective, though, as many people don’t pull the whole root out of the ground in the process. 

Because of this, many experts would edge towards a weed and feed fertiliser. This will kill all of the weeds in your lawn while making it even easier for your grass to thrive. 

So, which option will you choose? 

Weeds are the bane of every gardener’s existence. This is why there are countless hacks for how to get rid of them without the intense manual labour of removing them by hand. One of those hacks is using cardboard to kill weeds. But is this something experts would recommend?

While it might not be the best way to solve how to kill weeds, it’s certainly an effective one. Especially if you don’t want to get any chemical substances involved, like when killing weeds with bleach or specially formulated weed killer.

Below, our gardening experts get into the pros and cons of using cardboard to get rid of weeds so that you can make up your own mind about whether this is the best method for you and your garden.

Using cardboard to kill weeds

Whether you’re looking for a way to remove weeds from a patio or the garden, there are several products and techniques you can employ. But cardboard specifically can be used only in the garden, in your flower beds or the vegetable patch, rather than a patio.

‘Some gardeners choose to use cardboard as a cheap and easy method to suppress weeds,’ says Jamie Shipley, gardening expert and managing director at Hedges Direct. ‘By laying flattened cardboard boxes on your soil around your plants and then covering them with mulch, weeds won’t be able to access the sunlight they need to establish.’

And similarly to Monty Don’s garden compost tip, the benefits of using cardboard as a weed suppressor (rather than killer) are the material’s biodegradable properties.

‘Using cardboard as a weed barrier works great in a garden because it won't only smother them but it'll also decompose into the soil, which will benefit your composting and fertilising efforts,’ says Petar Ivanov, Fantastic Gardeners' gardening expert.

The downsides of using cardboard to suppress weeds

Similarly to killing weeds with salt, there are some potential negatives that come with using cardboard to kill weeds.

‘You should bear in mind that the cardboard may also limit the amount of oxygen and moisture that reaches the soil - especially if you use multiple layers - which could be detrimental to your plants and the insects that are vital to your garden’s healthy growth,’ Jamie says.

The other thing to consider is the potential not so aesthetically pleasing look the disintegrating cardboard could bring to your garden borders. ‘The disintegrating cardboard could also cause an eyesore in your garden and once the barrier starts to break down there will be nothing stopping weeds from growing,’ Jamie warns.

What to use instead

Instead, Jamie recommends opting for other methods. ‘I actually believe the most ecologically-friendly approach is to simply to remove weeds out by hand and put them in the green waste bin. Once weeded you can put a mulch or bark chippings down which helps retain the moisture and nutrients in the soil but also keeps light out which helps to suppress future weed growth.’

Or if you want to up the ante, then you can use a concoction with white vinegar to kill your garden weeds. ‘Deep-rooted and persistent weeds can be difficult to kill, so that's when you'll need to resort to a weed killer. Instead of using a chemical weed killer, there are some more natural remedies to try. Lemon, vinegar or rock salt can be used to dry weeds out and kill them through dehydration,’ Jamie concludes.

FAQs

Can cardboard in the garden attract pests?

‘Cardboard is a material that's susceptible to moisture and humidity, which are always present in the garden and, because of that, it can potentially attract many different types of insects,’ Petar warns.

But those are not the only pests that can be attracted by disintegrating cardboard.

‘The moist, rotting cardboard could attract pests - especially if you choose to saturate it with water before layering the mulch on top to trap the moisture in. Mice and other rodents also like to chew cardboard up to use as a nesting material,’ Jamie says.

Is cardboard safe to use in garden?

Cardboard is safe to use in the garden as long as you opt for what’s known as clean cardboard without any treatments.

‘It's important to use only uncoated and unpainted brown boxes, also known as clean cardboard, because this material is made from wood pulp held together with natural plant-based starch. This kind of cardboard won't leave any damaging substances in your soil and will break down naturally over a couple of months,’ Petar explains.

And this is all you need to know about using cardboard to kill garden weeds.

EDITOR’S NOTE: An earlier version of this article included a quote from a purported expert whose credentials we have not been able to verify. The quote has been removed. We regret this lapse in our verification process and have updated our internal protocols to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Weeds have been a hot topic lately, so naturally we've been on the hunt for the best ways to get rid of weeds in the garden. While there's always the option of using dedicated weedicide for the job, if there's a hidden gem in our kitchen cupboards that'll do the trick, we're all ears. This has led us to wonder whether salt kills weeds.

In case you don't know, we're currently on a bit of a journey at Ideal Home to find the most effective ways to kill weeds. From using white vinegar to clueing ourselves up on the reasons why we shouldn't use bleach to kill weeds, we're learning more every day to finally tackle the job of successfully removing these unwanted plants surrounding outdoor spaces.

In an ideal world, being able to use something as accessible as salt to get rid of weeds is the best-case scenario. You've always got it on hand in your kitchen cabinets, and it's affordable enough to buy in bulk. Thankfully, gardening experts have revealed that salt is an effective method but, as with anything, it comes with a couple of caveats...

Does salt kill weeds?

Yes, salt does kill weeds. Jane Dobbs, team lead of gardening at Allan's Gardeners explains that salt kills weeds by drawing moisture from them and disrupting their water balance. 'Salt, particularly sodium chloride, is a cost-effective and natural weed killer. As salt is applied to soil, it pulls moisture out of plant cells, causing dehydration and eventually plant death.'

However, although salt is an effective weed killer, it still comes with downsides and key things to consider before you use it in your garden.

'Salt still has a few risks and it has some environmental consequences,' explains Jane. 'Salt accumulation in the soil can disrupt soil structure, stunt plant growth, and impact the environment.'

'Leaching salt into groundwater or nearby water bodies can also harm beneficial salt microorganisms. In the long run, salt can lead to barren spots that don't grow most plants, which is counterproductive for gardening.'

It's not all doom and gloom though. Although there are some issues that salt can cause to the soil and surrounding plants and flower beds, so long as you're using it in small, diluted quantities, you won't find yourself with a garden nightmare.

How to effectively use salt to kill weeds

'It's best to make a very weak salt and water solution for a start and only use it at spots where soil health won't be an issue in the future,' advises Petar Ivanov, gardening and plant expert at Fantastic Gardeners.

'I'd suggest mixing 3 parts water and 1 part salt for the solution and applying it to the very base of the weed using a funnel and being very careful. After that, you can increase the amount of salt in the solution a little bit every day until you start seeing the weed is being affected.'

If you choose to try out this method, Jane says that any nearby plants need to be watered after you apply the solution. 'It will prevent damage and allow the salt to leach below the roots.'

For areas with concrete, Petar assures you can use this salt water solution a lot more freely as there's no risk of causing harm to other desirable plants. This includes getting rid of weeds in gravel and stopping weeds from growing in block paving.

FAQs

Does salt kill weeds permanently?

Salt can kill weeds naturally, but it won't solve any larger weed problem permanently. In the case you're dealing with a lot of weeds, you'll likely need to opt for a more comprehensive weed control strategy, recommended and carried out by professionals.

How long does it take for salt to kill weeds?

'It'll take up to 10 days for the weed to properly absorb the salt in the water and it mostly only works on smaller and young weeds,' explains Petar Ivanov at Fantastic Gardeners.

'Besides that, you won't be able to plant anything in the spot which you've treated with salt because sodium chloride doesn't break down and it'll take up to several years to be entirely washed away.'

So, the verdict? Salt is definitely an effective way to kill weeds naturally, but should only be used sparingly and carefully, keeping the above important tips in mind.

If you're here, you're likely dealing with unwanted greenery in your garden. The culprit? Nothing other than pesky weeds, of course. If you're in a pinch and want to get rid of weeds quickly, reaching for something you've probably already got stock-piled in your cleaning cupboard is tempting, like bleach. But, does bleach kill weeds, or are you better off sticking to other methods?

With all the many ways to kill weeds out there, ranging from using white vinegar to get rid of weeds to using bio-washing powder, opting for yet another cleaning product option in your cabinets might feel like the next best step to attempt to remove weeds from a patio altogether.

However, while in some circumstances bleach can kill weeds, this method comes with various warnings from gardening experts who'll be the first to urge you to steer clear of this method completely as the negatives heavily outweigh the benefits.

Does bleach kill weeds?

'It may be tempting to turn to bleach if you are trying to deal with a stubborn weed patch, and there are a few forums and articles online that claim the substance is an effective method of cleaning up your garden,' begins Josh Novell, director of Polhill Garden Centre. 'However, using bleach in your garden can be a recipe for disaster for several reasons, and it's definitely advisable to seek alternative options.'

Craig Wilson, co-founder, director and in-house gardening expert at Gardeners Dream explains that although bleach can be applied directly onto weeds using a spray bottle, it's not always guaranteed to kill the root system, meaning the weeds can grow back. So yes, it does work but it's more hassle than what it's worth.

Besides the fact that it may not be the most effective way to stop weeds from growing in block paving, there are many reasons why it should be a no-no in the garden, irrespective of whether or not you prioritise chemical-free weed killers above all.

Why you shouldn't use bleach to kill weeds

'Unlike some specific weed killers, bleach doesn't discriminate when it comes to the plants it kills. If you aren't careful with your application of it, then it can seriously harm your prized roses as well as eradicate the weeds that are unsettling them,' warns Josh.

Craig adds, 'Bleach can also have a lasting effect on the pH level of your soil, so this is something to consider too, as this could have a detrimental effect on existing plants and flowers.' That said, it's best to keep it away from your flower beds.

Josh explains that healthy soil is teeming with microscopic life that benefits your plants, and using bleach on it can disrupt this delicate ecosystem. This, in turn, leaves the soil inhospitable and can hinder plant growth. If you're already struggling with your seeds germinating, adding bleach to the mixture won't be any more useful.

As well as causing harm to your existing garden ideas you've been working so hard on, bleach is also just outright bad for the environment, pets, and children who also like to spend time in the garden.

'Due to its makeup, bleach doesn't stay put. It can seep into the ground, potentially contaminating local water sources, which, in turn, can have a devastating impact on wildlife and even human health,' explains Josh.

While seasoned gardeners will be the first to tell you to avoid using bleach to kill weeds completely, if you do need to use bleach for whatever reason, Gardening Express' founder, Chris Bonnet recommends you keep its use for non-disruptive areas. 'Bleach is better used on driveways and in between garden slabs. Avoid using it on flower beds as it can damage the soil and ruin the surrounding plants.'

Instead, if you want to use a household item, opt for white vinegar or simply use dedicated weedicide for the job.

Alternatives

FAQs

Is bleach good for killing weeds?

'Undiluted bleach can be used to kill weeds, but I'd mainly recommend it for ones that are growing around concrete, such as ones on your driveway or walkway,' says Fantastic Gardeners' gardening expert, Petar Ivanov. 'You'll need to simply spray it on them and let it sit for a while and it'll kill the existing weeds as well as prevent new ones from growing.'

However, keep in mind that while it can work, it comes with a lot of negative effects like killing surrounding plants, damaging your soil, and polluting the environment.

Will bleach kill weeds permanently?

'Bleach can be applied directly onto weeds using a spray bottle. This will kill the foliage of the weeds, however, it is not guaranteed to kill the root system which means the weeds could grow back. So this is only an ideal solution if you are looking for a temporary aesthetic option,' explains Craig Wilson at Gardeners Dream.

'Although bleach can be an effective weed killer, it will come with a lot of collateral damage and it will work only on small weeds while having very little effect on ones with large and dense root systems,' concludes Petar.

Therefore, for what it's worth, you're better off opting for alternative solutions to rid you of your pesky weed problem.

Weeds are those invasive plants that, despite your efforts, you can never quite shake. If you're trying to bring your garden up to scratch for spring, there's nothing worse than weeds being a massive eyesore in your outdoor space. If you want to get rid of these pests as quickly as possible, it makes sense to reach for something you've likely already got in your cabinets, begging the question: can white vinegar kill weeds?

Although there are a host of ways to kill weeds, if you're considering using white vinegar for the job then it's probably because you're after a more natural and budget-friendly method – and we don't blame you. Given all the ways you can use white vinegar for cleaning, it makes sense that you wonder if it's just as effective in helping to remove weeds from a patio without causing further harm.

In short, yes, white vinegar can kill weeds. However, similar to using bio-washing powder to kill weeds, before bringing this cleaning staple into your garden, you ought to fully understand the way it affects plants as there are a handful of things to consider.

Does white vinegar kill weeds?

'White vinegar does kill weeds, but there are undoubtedly limitations to what it can kill and how effective is,' begins Josh Novell, director of Polhill Garden Centre. 'The acetic acid in vinegar acts like a weedicide, burning and desiccating the foliage. However, it's mostly a contact killer, meaning it only affects the parts it touches, and as a result, the stubborn roots underground will survive, and the weed is likely to regrow.'

Chiming in, Craig Wilson, co-founder, director and in-house gardening expert at Gardeners Dream adds that white vinegar may not be that effective if you're dealing with stronger perennial weeds, for example.

So, while white vinegar does kill weeds, it's got to be used in a specific way and for specific types of weeds if you're looking for worthy results.

How to use white vinegar to kill weeds

'Given it is not a purpose-built weed killer, white vinegar works best on young, tender weeds. When you're using it, aim for a sunny day to maximise its effectiveness and impact, as sunlight helps the vinegar to penetrate the leaves,' advises Josh.

You can spray the white vinegar onto your weeds using a spray bottle, like these from Amazon, or apply it to the leaves directly using a brush for even more precision. Craig even recommends adding a teaspoon of fairy liquid to your spray bottle, as this will help the solution stick to the leaves better.

One thing to remember is that you mustn't be hasty during this process, as getting white vinegar on surrounding plants and grass is the last thing you want to do. 'If white vinegar gets onto your grass it can turn it yellow. It can also kill your plants if it comes into contact with them too,' warns Chris Bonnett, founder of Gardening Express.

It's best to use white vinegar in areas of your garden that aren't filled with healthy, desirable plants you might accidentally kill. 'White vinegar is an excellent solution for weeds growing in the cracks of pathways, driveways, and patios. The lack of desired plants in these areas makes vinegar a safe and effective option. assures Craig.

FAQs

Does white vinegar kill weeds permanently?

No, white vinegar will not permanently kill weeds. While its acetic acid helps to dry up and kill the foliage of weeds, it's only effective upon application and doesn't penetrate deep into the roots.

'White vinegar is a contact herbicide, which means it only affects the parts of the plant it comes in direct contact with by killing their cells,' explains Fantastic Gardeners' gardening expert, Peter Ivanov. 'White vinegar also doesn't leave any residue in the soil so it won't be a weed-killing solution in the long run but instead will only work at the moment of its application.'

So in short, using white vinegar is best when removing weeds in gravel and stopping weeds from growing in block paving, for example. If you're dealing with weeds in a lawn, you're probably better off opting for alternative solutions.

However, if you need a fast solution (albeit not as effective), white vinegar will definitely suffice for the time being while you search for stronger methods.

If your patio is sporting unwanted greenery or your flowers are being ravaged by weeds, you’ll know just how quickly these undesirable plants can spread. While the key is to get rid of them as soon as you can, the question on everyone’s lips is: Can bio washing powder kill weeds?

Of course, there are countless chemicals and methods for how to kill weeds. But if you’re on a budget or looking to steer clear of harsh chemicals that could harm your patio ideas, opting for affordable and accessible alternatives might be higher up on your priority list. 

So, what can you use? The word on the street is that washing powder is the key to banishing weeds from your garden once and for all. But as we’re bombarded with so-called “hacks” all the time, we’re used to certain products falling short of their hype. That’s why we’ve decided to ask the experts whether bio-washing powder really can kill weeds. 

Can bio washing powder kill weeds? 

Whether you want to remove weeds from a patio or get rid of weeds in gravel, you’ll be happy to know that biological washing powder can indeed kill weeds. 

Tom Clifford, garden landscaping expert at Gardenstone explains, ‘Strong chemical weed killers, although effective, can often be harmful to your patio surface, especially if it's made from delicate stone.’

‘Washing powder offers a gentler option that shouldn't harm your patio surface but will effectively kill weeds. In addition, washing powder is a regular household object, making it much more accessible and affordable than chemical weed killers.’

So, how does it work? Well, a major ingredient in bio-washing powder is boron, and boron is incredibly toxic to plant life. When exposed to boron, plants will start to wither and die. But bio-washing powder doesn’t stop there. 

Anyone who has ever used biological washing powder before will know that it’s great for cleaning dirty clothes and removing stains, and it essentially does the same thing with weeds. In fact, the soaps and detergents in the bio-washing powder strip the weeds of their natural oils that protect the leaves. When this natural coating is broken down, it leaves the weeds incredibly vulnerable to boron and other pathogens. 

Before too long, they’re infecting the weeds and killing them from the roots up. This will see them shrivel and dry up, allowing you to simply pull them up or even brush them away. It’s incredibly easy to get rid of weeds in your garden this way, too.

Craig Morley, a gardening expert from Budget Seeds, says, ‘To use washing powder to kill weeds, sprinkle the powder into gaps in the paving or onto affected areas, and then pour boiling water over it. Once the leaves have turned brown and the weeds begin to wilt, you can sweep them away easily. It can also be used to remove moss from in between paving effectively.’

If you’re looking for a more targeted approach, Tom has suggested another option. ‘Alternatively, you can create a mixture of washing powder and warm water in a spray bottle and generously soak each of the weeds. This may help with targeting the weeds more directly and avoid getting any of the mixture on the patio surface.’

However, you need to be careful when using this method. As boron is toxic to plant life, you should avoid using it anywhere near plants that you want to keep alive - like those in your garden borders, and especially if you want to get rid of weeds in your lawn. 

In fact, experts advise against using this concoction anywhere near your grass, as you run the risk of killing it in the process. 

John Marshall, Landscaping Expert at Wenningdale Escapes, explains, ‘Washing detergents including boron will help kill weeds. However, they will also do the same to your grass - which no one wants! So we recommend avoiding putting it near your grass and flowers and if you are using it on paving or pathways, make sure you sweep up any additional residue to avoid it blowing into the grass or other green parts of the garden.’

With this in mind, you should also keep your children and pets away from the area if you choose to use this method. But if it’s used correctly, you can kill weeds and clean your patio at the same time. And that’s a win-win in our books. 

FAQs

How long does it take for washing powder to kill weeds?

It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for washing powder to kill weeds, as this all depends on the severity of the issue. If they are relatively young and new weeds, they could only take a few days to turn brown.

However, if your patio is covered in weeds and you want to ensure they’re all dead, it’s best to give them as much time as possible. When they’re brown, dry, and crusty, you should be able to pull them up or sweep them away. In some cases, they may even turn to dust. 

If it rains a lot during this waiting game, you may need to reapply the water and washing powder concoction.

Does washing powder kill weeds on a patio?

Yes! Washing powder is extremely effective at killing weeds on a patio, but you need to be careful when choosing this method. 

To kill weeds on a patio, simply sprinkle the weeds with washing powder, pour boiling water over the top, and let it work its magic for a week or so. Just make sure that you don’t cover anything that you want to keep alive, as the boron inside of this washing powder will kill any plant life it touches.

For this reason, you should also keep it away from your lawn. 

Does Aldi washing powder kill weeds?

Yes, any washing powder that contains boron should kill weeds in your garden. If you’re not sure if Aldi washing powder will kill weeds, it’s a good idea to check the ingredients list. If it doesn’t have boron in it, it’s unlikely to be as effective. 

Who knew washing powder had so many handy uses? 

Learning how to stop weeds growing in block paving isn't easy – just when you think you're on top of them, more peep through the gaps, and weeding can feel like an endless task.

Even if you know how to kill weeds, the job can get pretty boring after a while. And besides, as soon as you've learned how to remove weeds from a patio, another round appears.

So, whether you have block paving on a driveway, patio area or garden path, you're probably wondering how to stop weeds growing in block paving for good. The good news? We've enlisted the help of garden and patio experts and put together a guide to preventing them in the first place.

How to stop weeds growing in block paving

Weeds in block paving can be a real pain in the rear. Not only are they ugly to look at, but they can also cause a huge amount of damage if left to their own devices.

That’s why we’ve rounded up some natural remedies that will keep your block paving free of weeds and nasty chemicals.

1. Clean after de-weeding

Before you stop weeds growing in block paving, you need to get rid of the weeds themselves. But did you know that pulling up weeds can actually cause even more to grow? That’s because weeds spread through their seeds, and pulling them up can dislodge these seeds and force them into the surrounding cracks in your block paving.

To prevent this from happening, it’s important that you clean your block paving after de-weeding – and there are a few different ways to do that.

A simple sweep with a broom can do the trick, as this will brush away any seeds that may have fallen onto the block paving. But you could even go one step further and use one of the best pressure washers on the market to really get into the nooks and crannies of your block paving and remove any lingering seeds.

While you can usually clean block paving with a pressure washer, don't do it too often, as it could break down the mortar that keeps the blocks in place.

2. Sprinkle baking soda

Although there are many things you should never clean with bicarbonate of soda, this store cupboard essential can work wonders if you want to know how to stop weeds growing in block paving.

Weeds hate baking soda, so if you've been wondering whether baking soda kills weeds, it's your best friend if you want to de-weed your driveway or garden and stop them from growing back. A mixture of baking soda and water will not only soften weeds but also kill them from the root.

'A soil with a high sodium content is an inhospitable environment for weeds and disrupts their ability to absorb nutrients and water from the soil,' says Josh Novell, garden plants expert and director of Polhill Garden Centre. 'The pH change also makes it very difficult for new weeds to establish themselves.'

Simply sprinkle baking soda on your block paving, pour some water over the top, and pull them out. Once you’ve done this, you should be weed-free for a little while.

It’s a good idea to use this as a preventative measure every month or so to ensure rogue seeds don’t sprout, but bear in mind that larger infestations will need multiple applications.

3. Use white vinegar

There are so many ways to use vinegar for cleaning, but there’s no doubt that white vinegar is a particular favourite of ours. And while you could shell out for chemical weed killer, why would you do that when you probably already have a cheap natural alternative in your kitchen cupboards?

‘Apply it directly on the weeds or target the areas where weeds are prone to grow,' advises Steve Chilton, garden expert at LeisureBench. 'White vinegar is better than using harsh chemicals as it's less likely to damage your paving stones while being equally as effective.’

You can even pour white vinegar and dish soap into a spray bottle and spritz your weeds.

'Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, add a tablespoon of salt to help dehydrate the weeds more quickly, and several drops of dish soap to break down the waxy surface of the plant,' says Josh. 'Spray the solution directly onto the weeds, being careful not to soak nearby plants.'

The dish soap will help the vinegar stick to the weeds, ensuring the vinegar works its magic and kills them from the root. Then, just pull them out, or brush them away with a weed brush like the Newman and Cole long-handle weed brush, which we recently tested.

4. Use salt water

Block paving is a haven for weeds because the cracks in between the blocks offer the perfect growing conditions. If you want to learn how to stop weeds growing in block paving successfully, your job is to make it as undesirable as possible. And you can use salt water to do that.

Not only does salt kill weeds, but it also makes the area less desirable for weeds looking to spring to life.

By mixing together a 1:3 ratio of salt and water and pouring it down the cracks, you can kill any seeds that might sprout, as well as any weeds that are already starting to grow. However, it’s important to note that this isn’t a permanent fix.

To keep weeds at bay for as long as possible, aim to repeat this process every 3-4 weeks – and you might want to do a little top-up after it rains.

5. Re-seal your paving

If all else fails, it might be a good idea to look at the structure of your block paving. To form a barrier against weeds, consider sealing the gaps and joints – especially if you're noticing cracks and lumps of mortar are missing.

'You can use multiple products for this, including sand or specialised sealant that can be swept into the joints,' says patio paving expert Simon Wardle from Armstrong Cheshire.

Not just any sand, though – Simon recommends buying specific joint-filling sand. 'These are composed of nutrient-poor materials that make your driveway like a desert, discouraging growth.'

There are a couple of other properties to look out for. 'Make sure your sand or sealant is water-permeable before using it on your drive to ensure rainwater doesn’t pool and cause even bigger issues,' Simon adds.

Of course, always make sure you de-weed and thoroughly clean your block paving before you do this. Follow the specific instructions for the product you buy, you can rest easy knowing that you’ve done your best to stop weeds growing in block paving.

FAQs

How do you remove weeds from paving permanently?

Although we'd love to find a way to prevent weeds permanently, the ruthless plants will unfortunately always find a way into our block paving. However, there are a few methods that will do a good enough job.

'The best way to prevent weeds from growing back through block paving is to seal the joints,' says Simon from Armstrong Cheshire. And if you don't fancy sealing up your paving, you can try the above methods that will create a hostile environment for any prospective weeds, like baking soda and salt.

Failing that, the easiest way is to de-weed and clean your block patio on a regular basis to stop seeds from settling and sprouting between the gaps.

What is the fastest way to remove weeds from pavers?

The fastest way to remove weeds from block paving is, sadly, by hand. Pulling the weeds out on sight will help you keep on top of the area, and save you from having to deal with larger infestations later.

Of course, taking preventative measures will drastically cut down the amount of weeds that do appear, so consider the above methods to save yourself time in the future.

Hopefully, you now have all the tools you need to banish as many of those weeds as you can.

When we talk about weeds, it's often within the context of getting rid of them – but what about the weeds you can (and should) leave in the garden?

Well, as we enter No Mow May, it's prime time to be thinking about the weeds that are actually beneficial. While you can learn how to get rid of weeds in a lawn or border, others are worth appreciating before you rule them out – and you can even leave a 'wild zone' in a controlled part of the garden if you don't want them to take over the entire space.

We've rounded up the best weeds to leave in a garden if you want to boost biodiversity and lend pollinators a helping hand this year. You can even eat some of them!

1. Dandelions

We're celebrating all the reasons why you should leave dandelions in your lawn for No Mow May and beyond this month. Not only are they great for wildlife, but they have a lot of benefits for our health, too.

'Dandelions are one of the first wildflowers to bloom, and are important to pollinating insects and, in particular, bees,' says Lucy Taylor, gardening expert at Vine House Farm Bird Food. 'Once the flowers go to seed, birds like Bullfinches and Goldfinches will eat the seeds from the dandelion clocks.'

You can eat them, too. 'The root can be ground as a coffee substitute, the flowers can be lightly battered and fried, and the young leaves have a bitter twang and can be added to salads for a burst of flavour,' explains August Bernstein, head tutor of the Raymond Blanc Gardening School and passionate gardener.

Sow wildflowers like Mr Fothergill’s Seeds RHS Seed Mix Shaker Box from Amazon alongside dandelions for the ultimate 'wild zone'.

2. Nettles

You can use nettles to make your own tomato fertiliser, so they're worth keeping if you're a fan of natural plant feeds. They're edible when cooked, too.

'So many weeds serve a greater purpose than you would imagine,' says August. 'Many weeds are edible, such as stinging nettles. I would go for the new fresh shoots and blanch or cook them like spinach.'

Another added benefit of nettles is that they are loved by butterflies. However, nettles can quickly take over a garden border or vegetable patch in a short space of time, so it's worth learning how to get rid of nettles if they start to become a problem.

3. Chickweed

Chickweed is another common plant you should consider leaving in your garden. Not only is it good for insects, but it feeds small birds, too.

At Raymond Blanc's Michelin restaurant Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, the chefs have even started cooking with it. 'At Le Manoir, we have just started harvesting chickweed for our Michelin star chefs,' explains August.

'However, bear in mind if you let it go to seed, you will have a chickweed infestation, so remove it before it flowers.'

You can buy chickweed seeds from Amazon.

4. Clover

You can't eat clover, but we wanted to include it in this round-up because traditional lawn ideas are changing in favour of tapestry lawns, which embrace a large variety of ground cover plants.

You can even sow a clover lawn if you're keen to hop on the wildlife-friendly garden bandwagon. Clover seeds are available to buy from Amazon.

'Clover will take around six weeks to become established, so now is a good time to start putting the work in,' says Chris McIlroy, grass expert at The Grass People.

FAQs

What happens if you leave weeds in the garden?

Often, weeds will compete with other plants for nutrients and space, which is why it is important to keep a close eye on the weeds you do choose to leave in your garden.

However, there are some invasive plants you should avoid planting in your garden, or watch out for, like Japanese knotweed. It's also an offence to cause it to grow in the wild under the provisions made within Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

So, the time has come to stop unfairly demonising weeds and instead embrace them as a welcome addition to your garden. At least you can rely on a crop of nettles or chickweed to deliver produce.

Many of us have probably opted for gravel over the years, in paths and driveways. It is low-maintenance to maintain, but if you have weeds growing in your gravel paths in spots you don't want you could do with learning how to get rid of gravel in weeds effectively.

Gravel garden ideas have emerged as a popular drought-tolerant and low-maintenance garden trend. While they have the added bonus of keeping most weeds at bay, sometimes there's no keeping an invasive plant out of your gravel.

So, we’ve asked the experts how to remove weeds from gravel so that they don't grow back. And thankfully there are several different methods for how to get rid of weeds that you can try.

Before we start we do want to clarify that not all weeds are necessarily a menace, some are beneficial for pollinators. However, if they are taking over your garden and other plants it is likely time to intervene.

How to remove weeds from gravel

Our guide will make sure you rid your gravel of these agricultural nuisances. Here's everything you need to know about how to remove weeds from gravel.

What causes weeds to grow in gravel?

‘Constant exposure to different weather conditions is the most common cause of weeds beginning to grow through gravel,’ according to Jamie Shipley, Gardening Expert and Managing Director of Hedges Direct.

‘Once the gravel has been down for a while and if the soil beneath is moist enough along with a lot of sunlight, it can be the start of many weeds beginning to make their way through the soil.’ So, this is why many weeds begin to sprout in the spring and summer, as the sun starts to make more of an appearance.

‘Freshly laid gravel doesn’t have anywhere for the weeds to grow, but as the gravel has time to settle, accumulate sediment or become displaced, weeds can then take root and grow,’ reveals horticultural expert Amber Noyes from Gardening Chores.

There are a few other factors that can cause weeds to grow in gravel. For example, the soil beneath the gravel can contain enough nutrients and moisture to allow for weed growth.

Weeds also, ‘produce seeds that can easily be dispersed by wind, water, and even animals, finding their way through gaps in the gravel into the soil below,’ says Steve Chilton, gardening and outdoors expert from LeisureBench.

It is, however, possible to get rid of any type of weed from your garden or outdoor space, as the experts will detail. But you will need a few things to hand before you get started.

What you'll need

• A weed puller/weeder; try this Magnusson Weed puller from B&Q
• A hand trowel; this Wood Handle Stainless Steel Hand Trowel from Wilko is a real bargain
• Weed killer; this Roundup Total Fast Action Weed Killer from Amazon is a great option
• Weed barrier fabric; this Yuzet Heavy Duty Weed Control Fabric Ground Cover from B&Q has several five star reviews
• A rake; try this Hawksmoor Carbon Steel Rake one from Toolstation

5 methods to remove weeds from gravel

Depending on the results that you’re looking for, some methods have ‘more of a guarantee of a long-term effect,’ says Jamie, whereas others, ‘you’ll have to keep repeating throughout the year.’

But here are the different options available to you.

1. Hand weeding

While weeding by hand can be quite time consuming, especially if you have a large area of gravel to contend with, it is still one of the most effective methods for getting rid of weeds. 

The key is to remove each weed in its entirety. Jamie suggests, holding, ‘from the stem and gently remove the whole weed from the root system to make sure you have got it all out.’ If you simply remove what is above the surface, it won’t be long until the weed resprouts and you have to deal with it again.

You can go in with a hand trowel, corkscrew or a garden fork to get in and lever it out of the gravel – roots and all. If the stem snaps while you’re attempting this, you may need to dig in deeper with one of the aforementioned tools to make sure that you get right down to the roots, to remove them fully.

2. Weedkiller

If weeding by hand hasn't completely eradicated them, it may be time to take more drastic measures. Whenever you use a chemical weedkiller, you’ll want to do it sparingly as it can destroy everything around it – not just the weeds. So, take care to only treat the areas where you don’t want any plants or weeds to grow. You can also look out for sprays designed specifically to eradicate weeds, when you are shopping.

‘Glyphosate-based weed killers are effective at treating the most stubborn weeds and are best used while the plant is actively growing from April through to September,’ suggests Amber.

3. DIY weed spray

If you don’t fancy using a chemical-based weed killer, you can make your own natural weed spray at home using items you already have in your kitchen. One of the best DIY options uses a mixture of white vinegar and dish soap.

Amber recommends mixing, ‘4.5 litres of white vinegar with one tablespoon of dish soap and decanting this into a spray bottle.’

‘Pick a dry morning with no rain forecast and spray the problem areas of gravel with the mixture. A dry day is preferred as it will allow the solution more time to take effect rather than being washed away.’

‘Some hardy weeds might survive the first treatment, so repeat this step as required,’ she concludes.

4. Rock salt

Did you know that rock salt is actually incredibly effective at removing weeds? The salt works to dry the weeds out through desiccation and dehydration, which ultimately kills them. 

‘However, it is important to be wary of this technique as the salt can stop anything from growing in a space for a long time,’ says Jamie. But if you’re simply dealing with weeds that have appeared through the gravel in your driveway or patio, this shouldn’t be too much of an issue.

5. Boiling water

This specific method could be worth trying out on new weeds that haven’t yet established a strong root system. First you’ll want to cut back any lush foliage to expose the weeds in question. Then you can pour the boiling water onto the weed or weeds from a low height, so that you reduce the risk of it splashing back onto you.

If you don’t mind making a few trips back and forward from your kitchen with your kettle, this could be another great option that doesn’t involve any chemicals or too much manual labour.

Finish by raking the gravel

Whatever method you choose, you’ll want to finish up by using a gravel rake to level the surface and remove any weed fragments that have been left behind. Raking also helps to expose any hidden weed seedlings that you might have missed, so you can get to work at removing them too.

FAQs

EDITOR’S NOTE: An earlier version of this article included a quote from a purported expert whose credentials we have not been able to verify. The quote has been removed. We regret this lapse in our verification process and have updated our internal protocols to reduce the risk of recurrence.

It's that time of the year when many of us will be wondering how to remove weeds from a patio, so it's the perfect opportunity to brush up on a few weed removal techniques.

Luckily, just as you can learn how to kill weeds in other areas of the garden, you can rescue your patio ideas from these unwanted plants too. The cracks and gaps between our pavers provide optimal conditions for weeds to take up residence in our gardens, but thankfully, there are a few ways to keep numbers at bay.

To help you figure out how to remove weeds from a patio successfully, we've rounded up the best solutions.

What you'll need to remove weeds from patio

• A block paving knife, like the Spear & Jackson Enhanced Telescopic Patio Knife from Amazon
• White vinegar, like the Miniml Eco-Friendly White Vinegar from Amazon
• Salt
• Rubber gloves, like these SEEP Rubber Gloves from Amazon
• Non-toxic weed killer, like this KinderPet® Eco Weed Killer from Amazon

Step-by-step

1. Remove weeds with a paving knife

One of the most common methods for removing weeds from a patio is weeding by hand, and that usually involves a paving knife. It's a more natural way of getting rid of weeds, before you resort to store cupboard or chemical solutions.

'When it comes to removing weeds from your patio, using a block paving knife is bests,' says Paul Hicks, marketing & product manager at STIHL GB. 'Slice through weeds and remove any dirt trapped in the cracks, gathering and disposing of any waste.'

A block paving knife like the Kent and Stowe Carbon Steel Hand Weeding Knife from Amazon will allow you to dig up the weeds between the patio slabs by the root, which you'd otherwise struggle to do with your hands.

If you do weed by hand, you'll need to make sure you're removing the whole root. 'When hand weeding, the key is to remove each weed in its entirety,' explains Jamie Shipley, gardening expert and managing director at Hedges Direct. 'Hold the weed from the stem and gently remove the whole plant from the root system to make sure you have got it all out.

2. Weed alongside a patio cleaner

To make life easier and kill two birds with one stone by cleaning your patio cleaner at the same time, you can use one of the best patio cleaners on the market in tandem with other manual weed removal methods.

‘We’d recommend first pulling out larger weeds and then leaving a patio cleaner on the surface for 24 hours,’ says Dr. Jonathan Kirby, Roxil’s paving expert. ‘Then, use a wet stiff brush to loosen any stubborn patches of mould, algae and dirt, before washing away the debris.’

Roxil's Wood and Patio Cleaner from Amazon is a brilliant choice.

3. Dispose of the weeds

You'll want to get rid of all the weeds you've pulled up before moving on to the next step.

Ideally, transfer all the weeds to a garden waste bin, or the regular bin if you don't have one. Some weeds can be composted, but this isn't advised for some types, so if you're unsure, it's best not to add them to your compost bin.

4. Make a solution to kill any remaining seeds

If you're keen to learn how to remove weeds from a patio so that they don't grow back, you'll need to create a solution that will kill any remaining seeds or roots.

A cost-effective method is to combine vinegar and salt, as these are powerfully active agents that will create an environment too hostile for weeds to grow back. The debate around whether salt kills weeds is an ongoing one, but many experts recommend it. A lot of garden pros recommend using white vinegar to kill weeds, too.

'Simply use a spray bottle and mix 4.5 litres of white vinegar with 600g of table salt and one tablespoon of dish soap,' says Jason Wilkinson, founder at Qwickhose .

5. Pour (or spray) in between the slabs

Next, pour your weedkiller solution into the gaps between the paving slabs. Pouring it neat will make sure enough of the solution gets in, but you can also use a spray bottle, as this will give you more control over where the solution goes.

It's really important that none of the solution touches any of your other plants, as this will harm their growth and likely kill a lot of them off.

6. Try a specialist weed killer product

If your homemade tonic didn't do the trick and you notice weeds growing on your patio again after a few weeks, you can try a special weed-killing product.

A lot of weed killers can be harmful to the surrounding environment, so it's important to look for eco-friendly products that won't damage your garden. Any weed killers with toxic chemicals also shouldn't be used around small children or pets, so a non-harmful alternative is the best bet all around.

With rubber gloves, apply your chosen weed killer to the weeds between your patio slabs according to the manufacturer's instructions. This should do an effective job at removing the weeds, both quickly and permanently.

FAQs

What is the fastest way to remove weeds from pavers?

Weedkillers are the fastest to remove weeds from pavers, as these are specially formulated to kill weeds at the root. Remember, it's important not to use a weed killer with any harmful chemicals on your patio, as it may run between the paving slabs and reach your other plants. Look for products marketed as non-toxic.

'Those with concrete paving stones can also use a pressure washer to blast away any weeds,' says Rowan from Infinite Paving. 'Just make sure to avoid using such a tool on pavers created from natural stone, such as limestone or sandstone, as this could damage them.'

Another quick way of learning how to remove weeds from patio that is also safe is to use boiling water.

What causes weeds to grow on patios?

'The space between patio and paving slabs is usually filled with rich and moist soil - the perfect environment for weeds,' explains Rowan. 'In addition, without any other plants to compete with in the space, it has the optimal conditions for the plants to secrete seeds and grow.'

Unfortunately, this means it can be difficult to learn how to remove weeds from patio. 'The weeds are capable of growing into, and or worsening, any cracks in a patio or paving stone,' says Rowan. 'Their seeds and roots are very small, meaning they are often undetectable.'

But, like knowing how to get rid of dandelions, it is possible to kill any weeds growing in your patio so that they don't come back. You will need some supplies to be able to do the job properly though.

And that's it! You've successfully learnt how to remove weeds from a patio, and you can focus on more enjoyable jobs, like revamping your patio decor ideas.

Want to know how to kill weeds? Well, you’re not the only one. Every year, houseproud homeowners and renters ask themselves the same question as these unwanted interlopers pop up time and time again.

Yes, even the best garden ideas can be ruined by weeds. And while there are some weeds that you should leave in the garden (yes, really), there are others that will do nothing but take over your outside space and dominate your garden borders, patio, driveway, lawn, and any other area where they can put down roots. Of course, killing the weeds should be your first port of call, but the last thing we want is for you to make any weeding mistakes.

That’s why we’ve reached out to garden experts to explain how to kill weeds and stop them coming back once and for all. And fewer weeds means even more space for beautiful flowers, crops, lawn stripes, and more.

How to kill weeds and stop them from growing

'Weeds can be a nuisance for any garden and some can cause more problems than just being an eyesore,' says Sam Jenkinson, Garden Expert at Tiger. 'But luckily for gardeners, there are many methods we can use to get rid of them.'

Of course, you may need to try multiple methods to find the one that gets rid of the weeds in your garden, but the experts have assured us that you can learn how to kill weeds no matter what type you're dealing with.

1. Know what weeds you're dealing with

Before removing any weeds from your overgrown garden, it is necessary to determine the species you are dealing with in order to ensure you choose the most effective method of removal.

Weeds are classified under two main categories in regards to their growing characteristics - annuals and perennials. Annuals are those that grow and sprout quickly and have an average lifespan of one year. Before they die they release hundreds of seeds which germinate and appear in the garden the following year. Common examples of annual weeds you might find in your garden are fat hen, chickweed, groundsel and hairy bittercress.

Perennial weeds on the other hand, return every year and typically develop extensive root systems, which make them extremely hard to eliminate. Examples of this type of weed are creeping thistle, brambles, bindweed and ground elder.

'To identify the type of weed you're dealing with, you can use an online weed identification tool or consult with a local gardening expert,' says Henry Bravo, Founder, SmartGardenHome. 'Remember that different weeds require different control methods.'

There are plenty of visual guides you can use to help you identify the weeds in your garden, such as the RHS guide to identifying common weeds.

2. Tackle annual and perennial weeds differently

'Annual weeds complete their lifecycle within a year and die off naturally, so removing them manually or with an herbicide should be sufficient,' explains Henry. 'Perennial weeds, on the other hand, have deep root systems and can regrow even after being removed. Dig out as much of the root system as possible for these weeds and use a herbicide specifically formulated for perennial weeds.'

Treating annual weeds before they set seed is essential to prevent them from spreading, so it's good to have a spot treatment on hand.

As explained by Henry, perennial weeds need to be tackled from the root. You could dig these weeds out by hand, but make sure you get the whole root. Leaving even the smallest piece can allow the weed to regrow. Use a knife to loosen the soil and lever up individual weeds that grow in beds and paved areas.

It's also a good idea to use a specialist weedkiller that targets the roots.

3. Opt for a natural weed killer

While it’s easy to buy an off-the-shelf chemical weed killer, there are always many ways to get rid of weeds naturally. Below, you’ll find a few natural weed killers and when they should be used:

• Use boiling water: Those wanting to kill weeds quickly and affordably should definitely try the boiling water hack. All you need to do is pour boiling water over the weeds and let them dry out. A few days later, you can pull them out by the root.
• Use salt: If you’re looking to kill weeds that are ruining your patio ideas and growing through every nook and cranny in your driveway, using salt to kill weeds could be your best friend. However, you should never use salt to kill weeds in a lawn or flowerbeds, as it will also kill any other plant life.
• Use white vinegar: By now, you should already know the benefits of cleaning with vinegar, but it turns out that you can also use vinegar to kill weeds. But while the acid in the vinegar can kill the foliage, it might not tackle the roots - so you may need to use it in conjunction with another weed removal tool. Remember to keep the vinegar away from your grass and other plants, too.
• Use baking soda: Like any other form of plant life, weeds need water to survive. By using baking soda to kill weeds, the weeds will essentially die of thirst as long as you go for a targeted approach and apply it directly to the weeds. Like the other options above, keep the baking soda away from grass and plants.
• Use bio washing powder: Did you know that you can use bio washing powder to kill weeds in your garden? All you have to do is sprinkle some on top and give them time to dry out before pulling them up. Again, ensure you keep this household product away from your lawn and plants.

4. How to stop weeds from growing between pavers

If you want to remove weeds from a patio or stop weeds from growing in block paving, you’ll know that weeds can leave patios and driveways looking unkempt and unloved. To prevent this, try using polymeric sand - like this Dansand NO GROW Block Paving Sand from Wickes.

This sand has a naturally high pH that stops weed growth, and all you have to do is pour it on the paving and sweep it into the joints (it works on gaps 1-5mm wide).

But if you’re already inundated with dandelions and other weeds between your pavers, there are a few ways to kill them and stop them from coming back. And while it's a laborious and fiddly task, pulling them out by hand is a cheap and effective way to revive your pavers.

The first step to take is to dampen the area between the pavers. This makes the weeds easier to remove.

Then, use gardening gloves, a weed knife with a hooked end, and a gardening kneeling pad like this Bosmere G116 Garden Kneeling Mat from Amazon to manually remove the weeds. Give the area a good sweep afterwards to remove any seeds that might have come loose in the process.

While you can use one of the best pressure washers, we'd advise against doing so regularly, as it can cause damage to your paving over time. If that all sounds far too time-consuming, try pouring hot water on the gaps between paving slabs.

You can also use baking soda to dry weeds out. Simply pour it over your paved area and sweep into the cracks.

Another cupboard staple that's often recommended is white vinegar. Spray it on the affected area to help kill off unwanted growth. Cass Heaphy Digital Director at Paving Direct warns not to use salt to kill weeds as it can damage paving, and recommends using an organic herbicide if weeds are persistent.

5. How to stop weeds from growing through gravel

Weeds will find a way of growing anywhere, including your gravelled driveways and outdoor living spaces. Knowing how to get rid of weeds in gravel can be done swiftly, and there are a few solutions you can try.

'One method is to use boiling water and vinegar to kill the weeds down to the root,' says gardening expert Henry. 'You can pour the mixture directly onto the weeds, being careful not to splash it on surrounding plants.’

‘Another option is to use a pre-emergent herbicide, which will prevent weed seeds from germinating in the first place.'

If this doesn't work, William Mitchell, Gardening Expert at Sutton Manor Nursery, recommends digging the area affected by the weeds to get rid of both the roots and the seeds. This will kill the weed and hopefully prevent it from returning.

‘All gravelled areas should lay on top of a landscape fabric membrane,' William explains. 'This acts as a layer between the soil underneath and the gravel on top. It makes it extremely difficult for weeds to pop through and into the gravel.’

For example, this Weed Control Ground Cover Membrane from B&Q will work wonders to keep weeds out of gravel.

6. How to kill weeds on a lawn

Any patch of grass will act as a magnet for unwanted plants, making it virtually impossible to stop seeds from infiltrating and germinating amongst the blades of grass. Good lawn care can help to get rid of weeds in a lawn, though. Remove space for weeds to flourish by mowing regularly and over-sewing bare patches with grass seed.

Hand weeding can be a faff, but it's a good – and natural – way to stop a small group of weeds from spreading. You might want to invest in a daisy grubber – the classic two-pronged tool with a lever action for pulling daisies and other weeds out of a lawn without spoiling the grass.

For larger infestations, you'll need to use a selective weedkiller that won't kill the grass. Granular selective weedkiller is often combined with a lawn feed and conditioner and is supplied in 'easy-flow' pans. These kill weeds and moss and feed the grass, too. They're easy to apply and work well.

Alternatively, water-on selective weedkillers contain a range of chemicals to target specific weeds. They are relatively cheap and are easy to use.

7. How to kill weeds with weedkiller

While we'd always suggest going down the natural route, there's no doubt about the fact that weedkillers are extremely effective in getting rid of weeds. When sprayed onto the leaves of the weed, they are absorbed and transported to the growing points of the plant – including the roots.

'But it's important to note that weeds will only take up the weedkiller when they are actively growing,' says Janne Hasen, Controls Category Manager for Roundup. 'Which is why treatment during the warmer months is recommended. Also, spot weedkillers are not selective and will kill any plant they touch, so be careful when applying them.'

Penetration through the leaves takes some time and effectiveness can be reduced if it rains within six hours of application. Weedkiller should therefore be applied on a dry calm day in order to achieve the best results.

FAQs

What kills weeds the fastest?

If you want to learn how to kill weeds quickly, one of the best things you can do is boil the kettle and pour the hot water on the weeds.

'Boiling water can be used to eradicate weeds within a couple of days,' says Sam Jenkinson from Tiger. 'Pour this on the base of the plant to instantly shock the weed and any seeds that are covered. Be very careful where this is poured, only use small amounts and make sure it doesn’t splash onto plants and flowers that you want to live.'

How often should you weed, and when?

The best approach to wage war on weeds is to make time for a weekly weed workout. Hoe the soil when the surface is dry, and on a hot sunny day, or when there's a good breeze.

'If you’re pulling the weeds by hand, it’s best to do this either early in the morning or late in the evening, because this is when it's more humid,' says John Dempsey, Gardening Expert, Housetastic.co.uk. 'This means the soil will be looser, making it much easier for you to pull the weeds out right down to the root.'

But are there certain times of the year when weeding is more important? According to John, yes. 'Weeding is most important between the months of March and June. This is when you should actively try to weed once a week. After that, you’ll likely find that you won’t need to weed as much.'

Does vinegar kill weeds permanently?

'The acetic acid inside vinegar is effective on smaller weeds and will get rid of any that are visible,' says Sam Jenkinson. 'It is better to use vinegar on gravel and paving rather than grass as it can alter the soil and prevent anything from growing in the future.'

The only risk with using vinegar for killing weeds is that the acid may kill the leaves before reaching the root system, which will result in them growing back. But if the vinegar can penetrate the roots, it will get rid of the weeds for good.

Now you know how to kill weeds, it's time to put your plan into action.