Autumn is an excellent opportunity to stay ahead with next year’s gardening tasks, with cooler temperatures and moist conditions enabling gardeners to prepare their outdoor areas for the coming months. As numerous plants start to wither and development decelerates, it offers the ideal moment to address one of the most irritating garden issues before spring returns.
Weeds can rapidly overtake flower borders, vegetable plots and paved areas, fighting with plants for essential nutrients, moisture and growing room. While numerous commercial weed-killing products exist on the market, specialists initially suggest a natural method.
The cardboard method
One straightforward technique to help manage weeds involves using plain cardboard as a covering across the soil. Instead of placing it in the recycling bin, gardeners can repurpose it as a temporary weed-suppressing barrier.
The plant experts at GardeningExpress.co.uk stated cardboard proves ideal for weed suppression as it blocks sunlight, which weakens their growth over time.
Cardboard is biodegradable once stickers and plastic tape are taken off, making it more difficult for them to flourish. Without adequate light, many existing weeds will find it hard to survive, while the covering can also help stop weed seeds from sprouting.
It’s worth noting that should it rain, the cardboard may require replacement. It can also prevent water and nutrients from reaching other plants, so it’s crucial that it be employed solely to suppress weeds.
How to use cardboard to suppress weeds
The plant experts said: “Lay the cardboard flat on the ground, ensuring it completely covers the affected area and is pressed down securely to prevent any gaps.
“If smaller pieces of cardboard are all that are at hand, overlap them by around 15cm to stop weeds creeping through the edges to reach the sunlight.
“Once the cardboard is in place, cover it with a layer of mulch or compost. This helps hold the cardboard down as well as improving its appearance and retaining moisture in the soil, allowing the cardboard to break down naturally.”
According to the experts, after a few months, the cardboard will also begin to decompose, benefiting the soil as “brown” matter and helping create a healthier growing environment for the rest of the garden.
