No gardener wants to see weeds taking over their carefully tended beds, borders, or lawn. Whether it’s dandelions, chickweed or creeping clover, unwanted plants compete for space, nutrients, and water. But with the right weeding tools you can easily stay on top of the problem and keep your garden looking its best all year round.

 

How to Prevent Weeds from Growing

 

Prevention is the best form of weed control. Two of the most effective methods are using ground cover plants and applying mulch.

 

1. Use Ground Cover to Block Weeds

 

Bare soil invites weeds. Planting ground cover helps shade out weed seeds while giving your garden a lush, full appearance. Hardy, low-maintenance options like Vinca major or Vinca minor (also called periwinkle) are ideal - they’re evergreen, frost-tolerant, and produce beautiful purple blooms in spring and autumn.

 

You can also use edible ground cover like creeping thyme or prostrate rosemary. These suppress weeds and double up as flavourful herbs for your kitchen.

 

 

 

2. Apply Mulch to Smother Weed Growth

 

Mulch is a natural way to keep weeds at bay. A layer of bark chips, compost, or slate chippings reduces light penetration, making it hard for weed seeds to germinate. Mulch also helps the soil retain moisture and stay insulated through colder months.

 

 

 

Before mulching, remove any visible perennial weeds. For added defence, lay weed control fabric beneath your mulch. A few seeds may still land on top, but they’ll be easy to spot and remove from the loose surface.

 

 

 

How to Remove Weeds Quickly and Effectively

 

Despite your best efforts, a few weeds will always appear. The secret to success is acting fast and using the right garden hoe or weeding tool for each area.

 

 

Beds and Borders

 

In damp soil, weeds are easier to remove by hand. Use a corkscrew weeder, daisy grubber or even a kitchen fork for shallow-rooted weeds like chickweed.

 

 

 

For dry spells or larger areas, a hoe becomes your best friend. A Dutch hoe is ideal for slicing through the top layer of soil, cutting weeds off just below the surface with a push-pull action.

 

 

 

For more precision and reduced soil disturbance, try an oscillating hoe - a pivoting blade that glides back and forth just beneath the surface, slicing weeds cleanly and efficiently. It’s widely considered one of the best weeding tools for effortless maintenance across borders and raised beds.

 

For tough weeds poking through mulch, an oscillating hoe will also get deep enough to sever roots without disturbing your plants or decorative finishes.

 

 

 

Lawns

 

Some weeds in the lawn can be tackled with regular mowing, but low-growing or mat-forming weeds like moss and clover often need more attention. A scarifying rake is a chemical-free solution that lifts these stubborn weeds, allowing your mower to cut them down more effectively. This also encourages better airflow and promotes healthy grass growth.

 

A long handled corkscrew weeder is ideal for weeding stray dandelions and tap-rooted weeds in lawns. Simply place the end of the corkscrew over the weed and turn the tool clockwise. Pull the tool out steadily, this will remove the weed and then turn it anti-clockwise in your hand to remove it. 

 

A daisy grubber is great for lawns to remove daisies and tap-rooted weeds from grass and soil surface areas. By removing the entire root rather than snapping it off at the surface, it helps prevent weeds from regrowing, giving longer-lasting results.

 

 

 

Paving and Patios

 

Weeds growing between paving stones can be especially stubborn. They often sprout where sand has been washed away, creating ideal gaps for germination. Sweep your paths regularly to prevent weed seeds from settling.

 

To remove established growth, use a weeding knife to dig out roots from between slabs. It has a narrow blade is perfect for getting into tight spaces, allowing you to easily remove weeds. For added effectiveness, pour boiling water over the area to kill off any leftover growth without using chemicals.

 

 

 

What to Do With Removed Weeds

 

Once you've cleared your garden of weeds, be mindful of how you dispose of them. Avoid adding them to your compost heap - seeds can survive and re-enter your garden later. Instead, burn them or add them to your garden waste bin.

 

Feeling creative? Some weeds can be surprisingly useful - dandelion leaves are delicious in salads or pesto, and the flowers can even be brewed into wine.

 

Shop our full range of weeding tools and find the perfect solution for keeping your garden weed-free, naturally.