WAGE WAR ON WEEDS
IT’S best to keep the area around fruit bushes weed-free, as weeds compete for water and nutrients. I am an organic gardener and do not use any chemicals. Most weeds are controllable without them. Here’s my five-step plan of action...
1 ACT FAST
YOU must remove weeds before they seed. The old adage ‘one year’s seeding means seven years’ weeding’ is pretty much accurate. If you cannot dig them up, then cut the tops off — using a mower if need be — until such a time as you can get at them properly.
2 HOE
THE secret of hoeing is to do it little and often. Always hoe on a dry day, preferably in the morning, so that the weeds will wilt and die in the sun. Keep the blade sharp and run it lightly under the surface of the soil in a push/pull action rather than jabbing at individual weeds.
3 HAND-WEED
A HOE is often too crude a weapon for a border. The answer is to get down on your knees and carefully remove every scrap of weed with your fingers and a hand fork. I love it. You really get to know your soil and your plants and you improve an area dramatically without major disruption.
4 REMOVE ROOTS
THE best way to remove all perennial weeds is to dig up their roots. With nettles or brambles, this is actually quite easy. But bindweed, ground elder and couch grass will regrow from the tiniest scrap of root and as these are very brittle, it is easy to break off a piece and leave it in the ground. Do not be discouraged. Just go back if you notice regrowth and take more out. In time you will get on top of it, as well as dramatically reducing the spread.
5 MULCH
THE most effective mulches cut out all light and water from the weeds, starving their growth. Black polythene with a 400–600 gauge will certainly do this. However, this is only useful for clearing ground prior to planting. But on a border, a loose mulch of organic material at least 2in thick is needed. Garden compost is best, but anything organic will do. This will not stop existing perennial weeds growing through but will make them much easier to pull up.