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Weeds can quickly get out of hand in your garden, but keeping them under control does not have to be overwhelming. Whether you are applying weed control solutions or employing manual weed removal, it is not difficult to ensure nearby plants remain healthy.
Here is a simple guide to combating weeds in your garden without harming your plants.
Before working in the garden, prioritise your safety by wearing the right personal protective equipment (PPE). Consider a good pair of gardening gloves, a mask to avoid inhaling dust from dry soil, safety glasses to protect your eyes, earmuffs if you’re using noisy tools like a whipper snipper, long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt to protect your skin, and a wide-brimmed hat for sun protection.
How to make manual weeding easier
For smaller gardens, one of the simplest and most environmentally friendly ways to deal with weeds is to pull them out by hand, avoiding the use of chemical sprays. A weeding tool can make manual removal easier. You can also use a kneeling pad for comfort while you work.
For larger areas, consider a three-pronged hoe or a Dutch hoe for stubborn weeds. The Fiskars 4 Prongs Xact Weed Puller is also fantastic for targeted weeding. These tools allow you to stand while you work, which is less tiring for your back.
How to block weed growth
If you have a larger garden and the weeds are relatively small, using a thick layer of organic mulch can be an effective method to smother weeds. Mulch can help prevent seeds from germinating and stop weeds from growing further. Mulch also helps retain moisture in the soil, which benefits your existing plants.
For even more control, you can use materials like cardboard, carpet, thick black plastic or newspaper. Lay these materials over weed affected areas and hold them in place with bricks or weed mat pins to prevent them from blowing away. This method, called solarisation, works by blocking sunlight and water, depriving the weeds of the conditions they need to grow and smothering any existing weeds.
Consider adding weed matting beneath the mulch for extra protection. It acts as a barrier, blocking weeds while allowing water and nutrients to reach the soil. This is especially useful in larger gardens, helping to prevent weed germination and keeping garden beds cleaner.
How to protect plants when using weed killer
Weed killers can be very effective for controlling weeds in the garden. But there are precautions you should take to avoid harming your plants.
On windy days, the chemicals in the weed killer can drift onto your plants and burn them. To prevent this, you can place a garbage bag over your plants and tie it at the base, ensuring that no weed killer touches the foliage. Alternatively, you can use a large piece of cardboard to block the spray, positioning it between the weeds and your plants to shield them from the chemicals.
You should also be careful when applying natural alternatives to chemicals such as white vinegar. If you suspect weed killer has touched your plants, wash it off with water immediately to minimise any damage.
The most important way to protect your plants when using chemicals is to ensure precise application, targeting weeds without spraying surrounding plants. One of the most efficient tools is the Yates Zero Weeding Herbicide Applicator Brush. The brush can be filled with your choice of herbicide and allows you to paint the product directly onto the leaf blades of the weeds, ensuring that only the weeds are treated and minimising the risk to nearby plants. This method is especially helpful for weeds that have already established themselves in between your desired plants.
Another option is using a garden sprayer set to a low spray pattern. Carefully apply a small amount of herbicide at the base of the weeds. Avoid over-applying, as the herbicide may seep into the surrounding soil.
How to control weeds in lawn
A selective herbicide is the most effective solution for targeting weeds in your lawn without harming the grass. If you are unsure what type of lawn you have or how to identify particular weeds, feel free to Ask a question here on Workshop and share some photos. We're here to help.
A great option is Yates 4L BuffaloPro Hose On Lawn Weed Killer. It is specifically designed to kill common lawn weeds such as clover, bindii and dandelion while leaving Buffalo grass unharmed. Simply attach the product to your hose and apply it directly to the weeds, following the instructions for best results.
How to control weeds without using chemicals
There are simple home remedies you can try to combat weeds in your garden.
Boiling water can be used to kill weeds, but it’s important to be cautious as it can burn you or damage surrounding plants.
Another option is a homemade salt, vinegar and dish liquid spray, which is effective on pathways and driveways. However, it should never be used on soil.
A flame weeder, which uses a small flame to burn weeds, can also be effective but requires very careful handling.
For more weed control advice, check out How to remove weeds without harming your pets.
