With the longest day arriving this month, we are in prime growing time. The cold, dry spring has meant slower growth than in recent years, but the arrival of spring showers in May has got things growing, including the weeds.  So this month our thoughts have turned to weed control.

Remember a weed is only a plant in the wrong place and some can provide food and habitats for wildlife. With wildlife in mind, many gardeners are taking a more relaxed approach to weeds nowadays, often leaving wilder patches of garden quite deliberately. However, if you want to keep on top of weeds, there are many ways to combat them.

If conditions are dry then hoeing annual and ephemeral weeds can be very effective at this time of year, cutting the stems and allowing the plant tops to dry out can clear large areas quite quickly. Perennial weeds, especially those with long tap roots are a different issue and will need to be dug out, if you are looking to use manual techniques.

There are also a variety of weed killers available. These can be useful for persistent weeds coming through hard surfaces such as paths. Weed killers sold as “for paths” can include a residual herbicide such as Diflufenican which will also act as a soil-based herbicide. So be careful that any such product is not going to be washed onto planted areas. Systemic weed killers containing glyphosate can kill perennial weeds and break down quickly in soil, so can be used in areas that are to be re-planted.  There are also selective weed killers for use on lawns.

The legality of active ingredients in weed killers changes over time.  The Royal Horticultural Society website contains a useful list of current weed killers RHS-Weedkillers-for-Home-Gardeners.pdf.  This note also contains useful tips on using weed killers safely and effectively.

For veg patches, or new beds, you can use the “no-dig” approach of covering the ground with cardboard to deprive the weeds of light, then piling on thick layers of fresh soil or compost to provide a growing layer.