Garden expert's warning to anyone using 'traditional' way of removing weeds

Gardens in May are full of promise. As temperatures warm up, trees, shrubs, and burst into blossom, creating a . However, this time of year also marks peak flowering season for many uninvited guests, commonly known as weeds.

While there is now a more relaxed attitude towards wildflowers – recognising their important role in – in practical terms we often need to remove them—especially if they’re growing in driveways, patios, or competing with cherished plants. Some weeds, like bindweed and ground elder, are particularly invasive and can quickly strangle your cultivated perennials if unchecked.

Traditionally, gardeners relied on chemical herbicides to control weeds. However, we now know that these chemicals can have serious environmental and health impacts. For instance, Bayer, the giant pharmaceutical and chemical producer, recently paid about $10 billion to settle claims that Roundup—a popular herbicide based on glyphosate—causes cancer.

Given these concerns, it’s important to explore safer, more sustainable ways to keep gardens healthy and attractive without putting ourselves or nature at risk. One of the most effective and environmentally friendly methods for dealing with weeds is manual removal. Hoes are particularly useful for dealing with young seedlings, slicing them just below the soil surface and disturbing their delicate roots.

READ MORE:

Common annual weeds like chickweed, bittercress, and cleavers can often be easily pulled by hand, especially when the soil is moist after a rain shower. Although some weeds, like herb Robert with its delicate pink flowers, may look charming, it’s crucial to remove them before they set seed.

Herb Robert, for example, ejects its seeds explosively once mature, spreading itself far and wide across your garden. Perennial weeds, such as , are more stubborn due to their deep taproots. These cannot simply be tugged out by hand. Instead, using a long-handled fork or spade can make the job easier and protect your back from strain.

For gardeners willing to get closer to the soil, specialised hand tools like sharp weeding knives are invaluable. These tools allow you to carefully pry out weeds with minimal disturbance to surrounding plants. In driveways, patios, and between paving stones, mechanical methods such as a weed burner offer a chemical-free solution. Directing a flame at the weed damages its cells and causes it to die back. Alternatively, pouring boiling water over weeds can be surprisingly effective.

However, both methods must be used cautiously to avoid injury. Prevention, as always, is better than cure. Once you’ve cleared an area of weeds, applying a thick layer of mulch will help suppress new weed growth by blocking sunlight from reaching the soil. In ornamental settings, while weed membranes are sometimes used, they can become unsightly as they work their way to the surface. A more natural approach is to plant ground cover species where appropriate.

Once established, these plants form a dense mat that crowds out potential weeds, saving you considerable effort in the long run. By adopting these chemical-free strategies, you can enjoy a healthier, more sustainable garden that flourishes with the plants you choose— not the ones that choose you.

Jobs to do in the garden this week

• Tall perennials are shooting up so put in stakes or supports to help show off their blooms and prevent them bending over or snapping.

• Plants grown in containers will benefit from a spring refresh – remove an inch or so off the top bit of compost so you can replace with fresh. Keep fed fortnightly and well watered.

• Aphids and greenflies are now visible… check plants especially roses for any infestations and remove what you see by hand. You can also use organic pest sprays which are natural fatty acid mixtures that destroy the insects or make up a very dilute soapy mixture.

• Make a simple homemade fungicide by adding baking powder to water and spray on roses to prevent mildew and black spot.

• Sow lettuce, carrots, radish, and spring onions at fortnightly intervals for plentiful salad ingredients throughout the summer.

• Lily beetles - They’re crafty and tend to hop off when they see you coming so cup one hand beneath to catch them as they fall.

• Are your dahlia tubers ready for planting out? Depending on your region, you will be frost free now or should be shortly.