Garden weeds can be controlled without using chemicals, so if they are becoming a problem in part of your garden, try hand-removing, trimming or smothering them rather than resorting to weedkiller.
With some patience and persistence, all garden weeds (with the exception of Japanese knotweed) can be controlled using non-chemical methods, and there are plenty of other reasons to ditch the weedkiller:
Weeds are simply plants growing where they aren’t wanted. The majority of our garden weeds are, in fact, UK native wildflowers that support a wide variety of garden wildlife. Taking a relaxed approach and allowing some to grow in your garden, for example in a species-rich lawn, wildlife corner or less-cultivated area, boosts its biodiversity and reduces your workload.
There are several ways to control weeds without using chemicals – getting good control depends on choosing the right method for the weeds in your garden. If you aren’t sure which weeds you have, take a look at our handy profiles on common weeds here. Alternatively, RHS members can send us photos for identification via MyRHS. Annual weeds are generally shallow-rooted and easy to remove by hand. However, they often produce large quantities of seed, and therefore lots of seedlings, that require further control. The good news is that annual weed seedlings are easily smothered by mulch or temporary weed fabrics. Perennial weeds regrow each year and often have deeper, more extensive root systems. Removing the roots gives good control but isn’t always possible. Where it isn’t, regularly cutting back or smothering top growth weakens a plant and can eventually kill it. Weed barriers are useful for containing the spread of more pernicious perennial weeds.
Removing weeds by hand is generally quick and easy and can be done on empty beds ready for planting or on established ones. There are a few different options:
Don’t add weed rhizomes, taproots, bulbs or seedheads to your home compost bin, as it may not reach high enough temperatures to kill them. Instead, put them in your council green waste recycling bin or take them to your local recycling site where they are composted at naturally high temperatures.
A good option where weeds grow through border plants or in difficult to reach places, repeated cutting prevents photosynthesis, using up a plant’s stored reserves. Done regularly over several years, these methods can kill off even the most persistent perennial weeds:
As with repeated cutting, covering the soil weakens weeds and eventually kills them. Annual weeds may only need covering for a matter of months; perennial weeds need covering for at least a few growing seasons. There are different materials and methods to choose from:
The RHS encourages gardeners to reduce their plastic use and choose biodegradable or recyclable alternatives, such as the corn starch and jute weed suppressant membranes described above. We also encourage gardeners to reuse plastic that they already have, extending the lifespan of items often regarded as single-use. Empty compost bags, for example, can be cut along one seam and used to cover beds for weed suppression. Used plastic weed membrane or pieces of pond liner can be similarly re-used and re-purposed. Just make sure that the material is intact before re-use, as worn plastic could release microplastics into the soil as it starts to degrade.
Weed barriers contain weeds to a particular spot, restricting their spread. There are two main methods:
With some patience and persistence, non-chemical methods can control almost all garden weeds. However, we acknowledge that when gardeners struggle to control weeds with cultural methods or where invasive weeds threaten biodiversity, targeted use of regulated weedkillers may be necessary. Garden centres and large retailers selling weedkillers have trained staff who can advise on suitable products for your needs. For more information, see our page on using chemicals in gardens.
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The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.
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