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Garden Weed Control

Weed Control – Removal and Eradication

Control of invasive weeds in the garden can be a difficult task, an understanding of identification and weed control and removal techniques for the home garden can be of great assistance to the gardener. Weeds are the most common garden pest, one years seeding means seven years weeding.

Weed Control Methods

One essential factor in weed control is to prevent seeding. If seeds are allowed to set in any one year they can remain viable in the soil for many years, so consider the old saying “One years seeding means seven years weeding”.

At the very least never allow weeds to flower and set seeds.

  • Weed Killer

    This is chemical control by using herbicides. These work in different ways, some defoliate the plant, others are systemic and will kill the roots.
    Two main types are available. 
    Broad Spectrum which will kill a wide range of plants 
    Selective, which will kill a narrow range of plants, usually related to the species.Weed killer is also available as Contact, Systemic and Residual. Each of these working different ways and may have different long term effects.

  • Weed Mat or Smothering

    By depriving weeds of light and air many weeds can be controlled using these methods. However some will survive for very long periods even beneath weed mat. The use of black plastic as a short term method works by solarising the weeds, basically the heat builds up beneath the plastic and ‘burns the weeds.

  • Digging

    All weeds can eventually be removed by digging, however some are easier than others. The weeds that form small bulbils and small easily broken root fragments that remain viable are the worst, digging can actually spread the weeds unless you carefully sift the soil to remove all of the bulbils and root fragments.

  • Over-planting Some weeds can be controlled by over planting. This

    works by selecting a more ‘desirable’ plant that will out compete weeds usually by depriving them of light. It is a method that works with some weeds, however not all.

  • Mulching

    A deep layer of mulch can make it difficult for weeds to establish, as well as make them easier to remove.

How weeds spread

Weeds spread by seed, seed is easily dispersed by the wind, or by birds. Burrs, bulblets and roots are other methods.
Some weeds can also be spread by digging. Weeds with small bulbs such as Oxalis, can quickly be spread when you attempt to dig them out, so care needs to be taken,

Weed types

Weeds are either monocots or diocots. Monocots have one leaf on germination, usually parallel veins (most grasses are monocts) . Diocots are broad leaf weeds such as clover, these have a network of veins.

Weeds may be annuals, biennials or perennials

  • Annual weeds live for one year and then die, they are spread by seed. So prevent seeding. 
  • Biennial weeds produce seed in their second year of life. So again prevent seeding.
  • Perennial weeds are root based, or bulb based, they can seed and also spread by runners or bulbs. Breaking and dropping roots when removing them can cause further spread. You need to prevent seeding and destroy or remove the root system.

Weeds are identified as any plant that is growing where it is not wanted and has a tendency to spread by self seeding, bulblet production or underground rhizomes.

Weed Identification and Specific Control

The common weeds listed below all have different control methods.

7 Tips For Non Chemical Control

  1. Hand weeding is encouraged as this can be done at any time and saves on chemical use.
  2. Mulching is a great way to prevent weeds from growing.
  3. Close planting, weeds love open ground so close planting can help suppress weed spread.
  4. Check introduced plants and (potted plants) for weeds.
  5. Prevent weeds from flowering, dig, cut mow or cut but do not let them flower.
  6. Use a hoe to dig weeds to the surface on a hot day, this can kill roots.
  7. See a weed, remove it as soon as possible, before the root system develops.

4 Tip For Chemical Control

By far the most popular chemical controls are Selective weed killers and Systemic weed killers based on glyphosate.

  • Spray weeds on dry still days.
  • Wear protective clothing.
  • Use a proper spray system, one that directs the weed killer effectively to avoid overspray.
  • Read the instruction. Different chemicals require differet precuations and have differing toxicity.

6 Organic Weed Control Methods.

Flame Weeder for Weed Control
Flame Weeder for Weed Control
  1. Digging and removing weeds is the best method, however not for all weeds. It you can dig and remove the root system, the weed is gone. However with weeds that have small bulbils, such as oxalis, digging can be counter productive as the you can end up spreading the bulbils around the garden.
  2. Mulching is recommended, however mulch in itself is more of a weed suppressant, it helps stop weeds from forming. To make mulching actually kill or control weeds you need to but down a barrier first. Newspaper, cardboard or a biodegradable and organic weed mat. This method means cutting the weeds back to the ground, layering with the barrier material and then applying mulch.
  3. Flame weeding. This is quick, and efficient if you buy the right flame weeder. It will not kill the root system, so repeating the process will be necessary. It’s a great method for gravel paths and similar areas.
  4. Boiling Water and Steam. Both will knock back weeds quickly. Again they will not kill the roots, so repeated applications will be needed.
  5. Vinegar and salt. A mixture will kill weeds, however too much residual salt in the soil will stop other plants from growing, so salt is not a long term solution.
  6. Solarising the area by covering it with plastic. This method can work in the summer, the heat of the sun builds up beneath the plastic and cooks the weeds. You can use clear or black plastic, clear works best in hot sun. You can also use a sheet of galvanised iron.

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