Unwanted plants, often referred to as weeds

Unwanted plants, often referred to as weeds, can quickly become a nuisance in any garden and you never get these tips only if you ask or search a little bit more on the internet. Left unchecked, they compete with desired plants for nutrients, water, and sunlight, ultimately hindering the overall health and beauty of your garden. Today your favorite urban gardeners from South East London will give you several effective strategies to tackle these unruly plants and reclaim your outdoor space’s vitality.

1. Understand the plants

Before you can effectively combat weeds, you need to understand what you’re dealing with. Take the time to identify the types of weeds present in your garden, because this will help you choose the most appropriate removal methods and prevent them from spreading further.

We already have a guide for beginners in gardening which could be very helpful with this step, so go check it and start garden activities

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2. Regular Maintenance

What better way than regular maintenance when it comes to weed control? Make a habit of inspecting your garden for any signs of unwanted plants and promptly remove them before they have a chance to establish themselves. This can be as simple as pulling weeds by hand or using a handheld weeding tool for deeper roots. Of course, best advice and tips for maintaining outdoor spaces you can provide directly by contacting us.

3. Mulching

Mulching is an excellent way to suppress unruly plant growth while also providing numerous benefits to your garden soil. By applying a layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips, straw, or shredded leaves, around your plants, you create smother weeds and inhibit their germination. Additionally, mulch helps retain soil moisture and regulate temperature, creating a healthier environment for your plants. For good soil preparation, you can check one of our previous blogs.

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4. Herbicides

When manual removal or mulching alone isn’t enough to control weed populations, selective herbicides can be an effective method. These products target specific types of unruly plants while minimizing harm to desirable ones. Be sure to carefully read and follow the instructions on the herbicide label to provide safe and effective application.

5. Water method

Not all of the methods you already know can work, but there is still an easy way to manage the growth of unwanted weeds by using the boiling water technique. For eco-friendly control simply boil water and carefully pour it directly, taking care to avoid splashing other plants. The intense heat destroys the cellular structure of the weed and kills it without the need for chemical herbicides.

Check our project page to ensure that we can deal with every challenge no matter what.

6. Vinegar Solution

Who knew that vinegar could be a weed killer? Well, this is one of the natural alternatives to chemical herbicides. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, along with a small amount of dish soap to help the solution adhere to the weed’s leaves. Spray directly on a sunny day for maximum effectiveness but keep in mind that this method can also affect nearby plants, so use caution when applying

7. Salt

Another natural solution for unruly plants and also money-safe is the salt and water mix. Salt has been used as a herbicide and pesticide for hundreds of years and can be very effective for killing. This manner of eliminating weeds should be used only in areas where you don’t want anything to grow, such as stone pathways and places with pavers. This will wipe out other beloved vegetation as well if not used sparingly and in well-defined regions.

8. Baking soda

We already gave you a couple of tips for chemical-free homemade weed killers and the last one is baking soda. A brilliant way is to use it on pesky plants such as fungus and moss. It works similarly to salt, as its chemical makeup is sodium bicarbonate. It causes the desiccation of the unwanted ones.

It seems easy, but your favorite gardeners know that sometimes the best way to deal with the situation is by providing professional care to ensure that everything is in good hands. Choose perfection with our service “Lawn care and mowing” to enjoy beautiful, fresh, and healthy lawns all over the year.

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9. Cover Crops

Introducing cover crops into the garden can help suppress unwanted growth while also improving soil health. They, such as clover or vetch, create a dense ground cover that shades out vegetation and competes with them for resources. Additionally, cover crops add organic matter to the soil as they decompose, enriching its fertility for future planting.

By using these tips, you can effectively combat unwanted vegetation in your garden and create a healthier, more vibrant growing environment for your desired plants. Remember to be cautious by implementing our bits of advice so your outdoor space stays as good as it is.

And of course, check where you  can find us if you need our help. We stay in line at 07760800457 or an email inquiry to office@urbangardeners.co.uk


Urban Gardeners' specialists will be able to assist you with all outdoor tasks, from simple mowing to complete garden makeovers and design, lawn laying, pressure washing, and more.

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