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Tired of those darn weeds taking over your garden? Let's tackle the problem the green, eco-friendly way! Gardening expert Guy Barter from the RHS shares his top tips to keep your garden lush and weed-free without harming our planet or beneficial insects. Here's a rundown of common 'hacks' to try this season, plus some good old-fashioned methods to keep weeds at bay:

5 weed control methods, reviewed:

1. Boiling water

Ever thought about using hot water to kill weeds? It's a method often used on those pesky weeds in the cracks of your patio stones. Pouring some boiling water on weeds will indeed kill the top, but don't count on it reaching deep roots. Long-rooted weeds like dandelions might still be a problem. Guy suggests using waste water from cooking or steam foam machines for larger areas to save energy and resources.

2. Vinegar

Vinegar is a natural herbicide that can be harmful to weeds by damaging their cell walls, causing them to lose moisture. Opt for the vinegar with the highest acidity if you're gunning for the top weeds. Be aware that this method may kill the pesky weeds' roots and can potentially harm other plants as well. Apply it on sunny days, and if it rains, the efficacy will likely decrease.

3. Lemon juice

Citric acid in lemon juice makes weeds shrivel up by dehydration. You can either make your own solution with freshly squeezed lemon juice or buy a bottle from the grocery store. Spray the solution onto the offending plant's leaves. Guy mentions that although it may work on some weeds, there's not enough evidence to support its effectiveness, especially compared to other organic acids.

4. Weed guns & weed torches

These tools use heat or flames to destroy plant tissues, with heat-based weed guns being the electric alternative to gas-type weed torches. Although effective against top growth, the heat doesn't usually reach the roots, so weeds may regrow. Use these tools with caution, and especially avoid them for weeds with long roots, like bindweed or ground elder.

5. Weed-suppressant membrane

Weed-suppressant membranes act by blocking light, preventing weed germination. They're useful to minimize weed growth in veggie patches and gravel gardens. Opt for biodegradable membranes such as those made from coconut fibres or hemp for a more eco-friendly option.

Trusted, time-tested weed control methods

While these methods have varying levels of effectiveness, here are some tried-and-true techniques to keep weeds at bay:

Make a stale seed bed: Till the soil, let weeds germinate, then hoe them off. This old trick should help reduce weed competition during the growing season.
Hand removal: For smaller areas, remove annual weeds by hand or use a weeding knife for those stubborn weeds between paving stones. For perennial weeds that have deep tap roots, consider digging them out carefully to avoid regrowth.
Regular cutting: Continuously chop the top off perennial weeds to weaken and exhaust them.
Covering weeds: Lay cardboard or a membrane over the top, particularly in vegetable patches. Biodegradable membranes are available for a more earth-friendly approach.
Plant densely: Use groundcover plants to fill in gaps between shrubs and perennials, covering bare soil and preventing weed establishment.

Living with weeds

Although you may prefer a weed-free lawn or vegetable garden, some weeds like dandelions, clover, and daisies can prove beneficial to bees. Consider allowing these weeds to flower, but try to prevent them from seeding. Guy Barter, RHS Chief Horticultural Advisor, emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between weed control and preserving biodiversity in our gardens.

[1]https://www.rhs.org.uk/help-and-advice/problem-solving/control-weeds

[5]https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=3613

Incorporating scientific techniques into health-and-wellness routines, such as the use of boiling water to control garden weeds, can contribute to overall fitness and exercise by maintaining a lush, weed-free garden, which in turn can contribute to a healthier lifestyle.
When planning home-and-garden projects, consider adopting eco-friendly gardening methods, like using vinegar or lemon juice as natural herbicides, to promote a sustainable lifestyle and support the environment, including beneficial insects.
Gardening and the effective management of weed growth can be a therapeutic exercise for the mind, body, and spirit, fostering a harmonious relationship between home-and-garden lifestyle, fitness-and-exercise, and mental health-and-wellness.