No matter how well you take care of your garden, it’s normal for problems to appear every now and then. One issue that gardeners face all the time is weeds, which can crop up in your grass, between your paving stones or on the patio.
If you’re not careful, weeds can easily spread and overrun your garden. Getting rid of them as soon as they appear is a good way to keep them under control, but this can be a tricky task sometimes. However, you don’t need to resort to harsh chemicals or weedkiller. One expert says sprinkling a natural item onto the soil will help to inhibit weed growth, keeping your garden clear.
Paul Parker, gardening expert of plant and bulb specialists J. Parker’s, says there’s an easy and natural way to stop the growth of weeds in your garden – and there are no chemicals involved at all.
He said: “Even in the most well-kept gardens, getting rid of weeds permanently can be tricky. Especially over the summer months, with the light and warm conditions, weed growth tends to accelerate.
“Thankfully, there are a few easy ways you can deter them from growing in your garden without needing to use herbicides or heavy chemicals.”
Easy way to kill weeds without chemicals
One of the best solutions for a weed-free garden is to sprinkle one natural ingredient onto the soil – mulch.
Paul explained: “A layer of mulch around two to four inches thick on top of your garden beds and borders will act as a barrier that essentially blocks the light from reaching the soil.
“This will also lock in the moisture so that your plants will be protected in dry spells and provide nutrients, like nitrogen and phosphorus, that the soil may be lacking.”
Benefits of using mulch in your garden
Mulch generally falls under two categories – biodegradable and non-biodegradable. The former, which can be things like leaves, bark and wood chippings, will need replacing from time to time, but it’s great for enriching soil.
Non-biodegradable mulch, like gravel or pebbles, doesn’t add much to the soil – but it’s great for stopping weed growth.
According to the experts at the Royal Horticultural Society, mulch can be beneficial for the following reasons, depending on the type you use:
- Reduce watering
- Deter some pests
- Deter some pests
- Warm up soil in spring
- Protect plant roots from extreme hot and cold temperatures
- Encourage beneficial soil organisms
- Provide a barrier for edible crops coming into contact with soil
- Give a decorative finish
