Alan Titchmarsh shares advice on tackling weeds
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Weeds are a troublesome sight for many amateur and professional gardeners. It can be a chore trying to get rid of them, but there are some easy hacks to protect your grass, and to stop them from re-appearing.
Weeds are essentially wildflowers that are growing in the wrong place.
They’re defined as any plant that’s growing in spaces where they aren’t wanted.
The most common types of weed include buttercups, dandelions, nettles, and thistles.
But you can tackle weeds in four easy steps, including simply waiting them out.
Being patient is one of the best ways to get rid of weeds in your lawn, according to lawnmower specialist Flymo.
As the seasons progress, the soil tends to become looser, which makes digging them out much easier.
You should be able to pull out the weeds much easier by the time it reaches the end of summer, through to the middle of autumn.
Alternatively, try packing your garden and lawn as much as possible to crowd out the weeds.
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“Combating weeds is an unenviable task,” said Flymo. “Not only is getting rid of them a chore, but these invasive plants make your lawn look patchy and fill your garden with unusual and often unwanted wildflowers.
“From selfheal and daisy weeds to dandelions and creeping buttercups, many of the most common weeds can quickly establish themselves, and their roots can suffocate the grasses’ roots you’ve so carefully maintained.
“A healthy and stable lawn with fewest gaps will help keep them at bay. Most weeds are simply opportunists.
“Minimise their opportunity by keeping your lawn free of bare patches. Remove weeds from their root and re-turf or re-seed the affected area accordingly.”
If you keep finding new weeds in your garden, maybe it’s time to reconsider your fertilising?
It’s crucial that you get the right balance of fertiliser, as too much nitrogen can cause your grass to grow straggly, which makes it more susceptible to weeds.
Always follow the recommended guide for your choice of fertiliser, and look out for products with slow-release nutrients.
But if you’re still struggling with weeds on your grass, then it might be time to get out the lawnmower.
If you usually cut your grass quite short, your garden may be more likely to develop weeds.
It makes it a lot easier for the weeds to outcompete the grass for sunlight and soil nutrients.
Let the lawn grow a little longer, and then cut it on a higher setting.
Not only will it make it harder for weeds to thrive, but it’ll make your grass appear healthier.
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