Weeds will 'disappear' from garden if you ditch killer and add 1 thing to soil

It's fair to say that nobody wants weeds in their garden. After all, they're pesky, unattractive and simply get on people's nerves when they've worked so hard to make their garden look as beautiful as possible; however, according to a gardening expert, there's a simple way to get rid of them and keep them away.

Weeds that typically crop up during the summer months include crabgrass, dandelions, white clover and spurge, though there are others. These weeds thrive in the warm, sunny weather and can quickly spread if not addressed, which is why people need to take active control if they want to rid them.

To help people out, expert at Mr Fothergill's, David Fryer, has offered some essential advice. With over 30,000 followers on Instagram, the brand has been inspiring gardeners since way back in 1978.

He said: "As summer progresses, weeds can quickly take hold. They compete for moisture, nutrition and sometimes light with your plants in the garden. Using chemical weed killers is not the most effective way to control weeds, as they can have a significant environmental impact and be harmful to pets and children."

He also advised what's best to use to try and keep them away. His tips are really handy for anyone to take on board.

He added: "Non-chemical methods, such as hoeing, forking, hand-weeding, repeated cutting back and covering with mulches to suppress growth, are all great natural ways to keep your weeds down.

"Annual weeds are easiest to control as they generally have shallower roots, especially if you catch them while they are still small. Start as early as you can - maybe even before planting to ensure the most effective process.

"Perennial weeds have deeper roots and, once they have taken hold, may require some digging to remove them. You need to be thorough, as some weeds will regrow with even the smallest piece of root left behind.

"Avoid weeds that flower and set seed, as you will store up trouble for the following seasons, although you will always get your share of windblown weed seeds entering your garden every year."

According to David, this is all you need to do to keep weeds in order. It turns out, it may be a lot simpler than you initially thought to get rid of them.

What is mulch?

If you haven't heard of it before, mulch is a layer of material spread on top of the soil surface, usually around plants. It works to boost soil health, suppress weeds and retain moisture.

As well as this, it can also regulate the soil temperature too. Mulch can be made from various organic materials such as bark, wood chips, straw and leaves or inorganic materials like gravel.

Mulch acts as a barrier against weeds by blocking sunlight and preventing weed seeds from germinating. This can be really helpful when it comes to aiding the problem.

It can also help to improve the soil. As organic mulches decompose, they add nutrients and organic matter to the soil, improving its structure and fertility.

Mulch can also aid in preventing soil erosion, especially on slopes or in areas prone to wind or heavy rainfall. It can be a really useful thing to make in the garden.