Amateur Gardening

Time to blitz weeds for winter!

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I KNOW, I know – you’re hoping things are slowing down so that you can take a well-deserved rest. But this job will save you time in the long run, I promise.

Tiny, barely noticeable weed seedlings will be nestling on your plot in the cool, moist conditions of autumn. Annoyingly, and contrary to popular belief, they will not stop growing during winter and will quickly bulk up and run to seed in any mild spells. Anyone who has let a weed self-seed on their plot will be aware of the consequenc­es: year upon year of nettles, chickweed, shepherd’s purse, bittercres­s, or whatever nemesis you let slip through your fingers.

Let that fuel your motivation to give the garden one almighty weed purge. Hoeing is the quickest method on hot, breezy days, but autumn often gives us moist soil that doesn’t hoe well. If that is the case, a garden kneeler and a hand fork are your best options.

“They will not stop growing during the winter”

 ??  ?? Removing any weeds now will stop them bulking up through mild spells
Removing any weeds now will stop them bulking up through mild spells
 ??  ?? It doesn’t take long for hairy bittercres­s to take hold
It doesn’t take long for hairy bittercres­s to take hold

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