6 clever ways to stop weeds taking over your garden during No Mow May – garden experts share exactly what to do to keep them under control

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.

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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.