weeds in the garden

[mitsy]

Can someone please tell me how I can get rid of weeds appearing inbetween my plants, I've just dug over a small patch to plant flowers, but within weeks this will be covered with weeds and unable to see the flowers. WOuld it help if I put the bark chippings down? Would this then attract slugs? and would bulbs be able to grow through them? Many thanks

[coccinelle]

Ah, the joys of gardening...
When you weed, you must make sure all the roots are taken up so you won't be getting perrenial weeds coming up anymore. Then keep the surrounding area as free from flowering weeds as possible so not allowing seeds from them to germinate where you've planted. And when some weeds do germinate it's time to get the hoe out.

[YvonneM]

Gardening is a continual battle against weeds and pests one that you will only control with hard work but never win.

[frankofile]

Hoe

[carlton23]

My dear old grandpappy told me, that for every weed you pull up saves a day`s labour next year, so get weeding.

[Whoever]

This is a losing battle I'm afraid, as every gardener will tell you. Putting down a mulch layer of grass cuttings or bark chippings will help, but never put these down unless your soil has been thoroughly soaked beforehand, especially in this hot dry weather, as it will prevent rain from penetrating down into the soil and your plants could die. Yes, bulbs should be able to grow through the bark provided the layer is not too thick, although a very thin layer will not smother strong growing persistent weeds. Slugs don't particularly like bark, so this would act as a deterrent. However, blackbirds particularly seem to like forest bark. It can provide a safe haven for insects like wood lice and they will often flick it all over your lawns and paths with their beaks in the search for a tasty snack.

[CSG2306]

Hi,

Your garden contains billions of dormant seeds, everytime you dig or hoe you turn up these seeds. Rain and heat germinate them all the time, and believe it or not it is an ever ending job keeping them down.

Hoeing is one way, but you must keep at it even although there is nothing to be seen, seems stupid but I can assure you it works.

Regards

[johnk]

I have some wild strawberries which seem to stifle most weeds. I let them go anywhere they like and when I need the ground dig them up which is not much effort as they only root shallow. They also have a pretty flower grow low to the ground and sometimes give a delicious strawberry. If anything does come through I chop it off with the hoe.
Hope this helps
John