Recently, I had to tackle a garden overrun with weeds, and since there was a river nearby, I opted for more natural solutions.
I thought I’d share a bit here because, generally speaking, everyone can face this problem, and you don’t need to use any super strong products to get rid of them. It’s good for the soil, good for the planet, good for your wallet… in other words, just the way we like it!
Around here, we often deal with unwanted appearances of Japanese knotweed (which grows very close to rivers… ta-da!), Himalayan balsam, which has a superpower of spreading seeds easily and quickly, and the giant that only causes trouble… a.K.a. Heracleum mantegazzianum.
Get Your Hands Dirty
First, let’s talk about a tradition that exists in some parts around here, which is the Himalayan Balsam Pulling Festival. Have you heard of it or participated in one?
It’s a battle: humans versus Himalayan balsam, and this needs to be done before the seeds “bloom.” It’s very tiring but super fun and keeps everything in order.
As for Japanese knotweed, this pest is almost indestructible… no joke! But there’s a way to get rid of it. You need to cut the stems every week during the growing season, which is between April and October.
It gets weaker… and weaker… until it gives up, and you won’t have problems with it around there anymore! It’s also possible to use lab-produced insects to, exactly, eat Japanese knotweed.
But it’s a bit complicated to get that and requires various authorisations.
Pro tip: If you’re not sure what exactly you’re dealing with, check if there’s a workshop from your local Wildlife Trust nearby; they can help, or send me a message through the contact page with the image or photo, and I can help!
Mulching
If you’re facing a lot of sweet clover or sow thistle… usually in the vegetable garden… cover the soil with mulch! Tree bark, straw, and even pieces of old cardboard will help.
Goats also help… but… we don’t always have a goat nearby, right?
After clearing the soil of these nuisances, try not to leave the soil bare; immediately start planting to prevent them from returning.
Always opt for native plants like:
- Bluebells: Basically the UK’s floral mascot. Plant them in shady spots and pretend you’re in a Shakespeare play.
- Foxgloves: Bees go nuts for them, and they’re taller than your average TikTok influencer.
- Oak Saplings: For the patient gardener. Plant one now, and your grandkids can Instagram it in 50 years.
The National Trust did this in the Peak District, swapping invasive rhododendrons for heather and ferns. It’s like trading a noisy housemate for one who does the washing up.
Work with our British Weather
- Autumn: Lay down geotextiles (posh fabric mulch) to stop winter weeds. Pair with a pumpkin spice latte for peak basic behaviour.
- Spring: Cover damp soil with clear plastic to solarise weed seeds. Works best if the sun actually shows up, which, lol.
Also, check out our seasonal calendar, where I update with the species that can be planted and that bloom in each season of the year.
tl;dr
| Method | How It Works | Effectiveness | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling Water | Pour hot water (e.g., from cooking veggies) onto weeds to scald roots. | ⭐⭐ | Great for patios or driveway cracks. Let it cool slightly to avoid harming nearby soil. |
| Hand Pulling | Remove weeds by hand, ensuring roots are yanked out. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Best after rain when soil’s soft. Join a local “balsam bashing” event for communal weed-pulling! |
| Animals (Goats/Chickens) | Goats graze on tough weeds; chickens peck at seeds and small plants. | ⭐⭐ (Chickens) ⭐⭐⭐ (Goats) | Rent goats for large areas (popular in Surrey/Norfolk heathlands). Chickens need secure coops……. |
| Mulching with Moss | Smother weeds with moss (retains moisture and blocks sunlight). | ⭐⭐ | Works well in shady, damp gardens (common in Scotland!). mix with bark chips for better coverage. |
| Cardboard/Newspaper | Layer cardboard/newspaper over weeds, then add compost. Kills them organically. | ⭐⭐⭐ | Use soggy newspaper for urban allotments. Worms love it ! |
| Vinegar Solution | Spray a mix of white vinegar, salt, and dish soap to dry out weeds. | ⭐⭐⭐ | Avoid on windy days Best for patio cracks, not flowerbeds. |
| Corn Gluten Meal | Natural pre-emergent that stops weed seeds from sprouting. | ⭐⭐ | Apply in spring (April showers help activate it). Pet-friendly and safe for lawns! |
PS: Always check local regulations……….e.g., burning weeds is banned in urban areas, and goats need planning permission (yes, really).
