Weeds can be a real pain when you’re trying to keep your garden looking nice, and I’ve had my fair share of battles with them in my backyard. I’m no gardening expert, but through trial and error (and a lot of Googling), I’ve found some simple ways to cut weeds and keep them under control without always using harsh chemicals. At twcgardening.com, I share what’s worked for me and what I’ve learned from places like gardening blogs and university websites. Here are 10 easy ways to tackle weeds in your garden, straight from my own experience and research.
Cut Weeds In Your Garden In A Few Easy Steps
Step One: Figure Out What Weeds You’ve Got
Weed Identification
Before I start pulling or cutting, I try to figure out what kind of weeds I’m dealing with. Some, like crabgrass, die off yearly but spread seeds like crazy, while others, like dandelions, keep coming back if you don’t get the roots.
I once spent a whole weekend yanking what I thought was one type of weed, only to learn it was something else entirely. Now I use apps like PlantID to check, or I look up pictures on sites like The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Knowing what you’re up against helps you pick the right way to cut them down.
Step Two: Pull Them Out By Hand
Hand Pulling Weeds
When I spot just a few weeds, I grab them by hand, especially after it rains and the soil’s soft. I pull from the base to get the roots out so they don’t grow back.
I’ve done this a ton in my small veggie patch, and it’s kind of therapeutic. Just wear gloves to save your hands, and don’t compost weeds with seeds – I learned that the hard way when they sprouted in my compost pile! This works great for small areas.
Step Three: Chop Them With A Hoe
Garden Hoe
I love using a garden hoe to slice weeds right at the soil line. A scuffle hoe is my go-to because it cuts roots just below the surface without much effort.
I read on a University of California gardening site that hoeing regularly stops weeds from getting big and seedy. I’m no pro with every tool, but my basic hoe has saved me so much time in my flower beds compared to pulling everything by hand.
Step Four: Mow Weeds In The Lawn
If weeds pop up in my lawn, I mow them regularly to keep them from spreading. Keeping the grass about 3 inches tall helps shade out low weeds like clover.
I’ve noticed this really weakens weeds like plantain in my yard over time. I saw on a Lawn Starter blog that mowing plus adding more grass seed can make your lawn thicker and block weeds, which I’ve started doing with decent results.
Step Five: Cover With Mulch After Cutting
Mulch Layer
After I cut down weeds, I spread a 2-3 inch layer of mulch like wood chips or straw over the soil. It blocks sunlight so new weeds can’t grow, and it keeps my plants happy.
I’ve used bark mulch in my garden, and it’s cut my weeding time way down. I read on Gardening Know How that mulch can stop most weed seeds from sprouting. I stick to wood chips, but I’ve heard straw or even gravel works too.
Step Six: Spray With A Homemade Mix
Vinegar Spray
For weeds in my driveway or patio cracks, I mix vinegar, salt, and a bit of dish soap to spray on them. I cut them first, then hit the base on a sunny day.
I’ve tried this on dandelions, and it works pretty well, though you need to reapply after rain. I found a tip on a Cornell University site saying vinegar’s acid burns weed leaves, but it’s not perfect for deep roots. Be careful not to spray your good plants!
Step Seven: Try A Flame Weeder
Flame Weeder Tool
I’ve read about using a propane torch to burn weeds on paths or gravel. You just pass the flame over them quickly to wilt them without setting anything on fire.
I haven’t bought a flame weeder yet, but I watched some YouTube videos from Fine Gardening, and it looks super fast for non-plant areas. They say to be careful in dry weather, which makes sense since I don’t want to start a fire in my yard!
Step Eight: Cut At The Right Time
Weed Lifecycle
I try to cut weeds early, before they make flowers or seeds. Doing it in the morning when they’re full of water seems to stress them out more.
I’ve learned from messing up that waiting too long makes things worse – one summer, my garden was a weed jungle because I slacked off. A Royal Horticultural Society article said early cuts can reduce weeds by up to 80%, which I’m trying to stick to now.
Step Nine: Use Weed Barrier Fabric
Landscape Fabric
When I set up new garden beds, I lay down weed barrier fabric before planting and cut holes for my plants. It stops weeds from coming up while letting water through.
I did this for a new flower bed, and it’s kept weeds down a lot. I read in a gardening magazine that adding mulch on top makes it even better. It’s a bit of work to set up, but it’s been worth it for me.
Step Ten: Don’t Stress Too Much
Professional Gardener
Sometimes weeds get the best of me, and that’s okay. If they’re too much, I might call a pro for help. Or I let some, like clover, stay since they’re good for bees.
I’ve had years where weeds won, but I’ve learned from places like Better Homes & Gardens that a few weeds aren’t the end of the world. If you’re stuck, check out twcgardening.com for more tips or to share your own weed battles with me!
