weed is one of the mosttime - consumingandfrustratingparts of horticulture — but it does n’t have to be . Professional landscapers have a fewunexpected tricksup their sleeve that can drasticallycut down the hours you pass battling weedseach calendar month .

In this article , you ’ll discover14 surprising weeding hacksthat really work , fromsoil prep strategiesandtiming techniquestounusual toolsandnatural hindrance . These expert - approve confidential information can deliver youfive hours or more every month , all while keeping your garden front neat and healthy .

Less time weeding means more metre enjoying — and that ’s a barter any gardener will take .

14 Unexpected Weeding Hacks That Save 5+ Hours Every Month (According to Professional Landscapers)

Cardboard Mulching

Cardboard might seem an unusual garden creature , yet it works wonderment in restraining dope growth . behave as a roadblock , it deprive sens of sun and helps retain soil wet . Place it under mulch for an extra level of security . Not only does this method reduce weed fourth dimension , but it also recycles materials you might have lying around . Many gardener are astonished by how effective this dim-witted hacker can be . It ’s a win - winnings for both your garden and the surround .

Boiling Water Attack

Ever thought about boil water outside the kitchen ? It ’s lethal to weeds ! Douse undesired plants with boiling piss , and within days , they droop away . The heating plant destruct industrial plant cells , ensuring the weed do n’t reelect anytime soon . This method acting is especially handy for driveways and walkways . Just be cautious not to splash on plants you wish to keep . A agile and eco - friendly solution to dour garden pain in the neck .

Homemade Vinegar Spray

Vinegar is n’t just for salad ; it ’s a potent weed killer . The acetic acid draws moisture from the weeds , leading them to dry up quickly . unify vinegar with a fiddling dish soap and you have a powerful solution to spray directly on undesirable growths . This method acting is as light as pie , and many find it surprising how effective household ingredients can be in garden maintenance . An economic alternative to store - bribe chemical substance .

Newspaper Layering

Much like cardboard , paper can dissemble as a mourning band - blocking layer . Spread several mainsheet across the soil before top with dirt or mulch . This method forestall sun from nurturing weeds while still allowing moisture to reach the roots of your plants . It ’s a practical style to recycle old newspapers while keeping the weeds at bay . Plus , over meter , the newspaper decomposes , enriching your soil by nature .

Salt Solution

Salt is more than a kitchen basic ; it ’s a natural weed killer . Sprinkling salt at the base of weeds dehydrates them , effectively curbing growth . It ’s peculiarly useful for non - plant area , like terrace , where you want zero green intrusions . Use sparingly , especially near suitable plant , as salt can break up soil health . It ’s a tried - and - true method for those tricky spot where weeds seem to thrive .

Flame Weeders

Flame weeder offer a rather dramatic approach to green goddess dominance . By applying direct heat , they vote out weeds quickly and effectively . idealistic for gravel paths or driveways , this method require caution but pays off in efficiency . Many find the process unexpectedly satisfying , check weeds shrivel under the flame . Always consider safety first , ensuring the besiege country is loose of inflammable materials .

Corn Gluten Meal

Corn gluten meal acts as a pre - emerging weedkiller , disrupting skunk seed sprouting . Used widely in constituent horticulture , it ’s a safe way to prevent future weed growth without harming existing works . merely sprinkle it across your garden beds and have nature take its track . The effectiveness lie in its timely app , good done before weed cum get down sprouting . An splendid choice for proactive gardeners .

Wood Chip Mulch

Wood chipping are not just ornamental ; they ’re a formidable weed deterrent . By pass over the stain , they barricade sunlight , suppressing gage growth while observe soil moisture . They also slow give way down , add nutrient back into the grime . Many gardeners appreciate the aesthetic and virtual benefits of wood chip mulch . It ’s a simple yet effective way to keep garden straight and pot - costless .

Plastic Sheeting

Plastic sheeting provides a full-bodied barrier against weeds . Laid across garden bed , it prevents sun from reaching weeds , efficaciously halting their increase . It ’s specially effective in bombastic vegetable bandage or flower beds . While it might not be the pretty answer , its efficiency is undeniable . Some gardener cut holes for their plants , ensuring they get the light they require while weed do not .

Companion Planting

Companion planting is more than just placing plant life together ; it ’s a strategic confederation . sure plants , like marigolds , naturally drive back widow’s weeds and pests when planted alongside veg . This method not only thin Mary Jane growth but enhances plant health and yields . It ’s a symmetrical way to garden , with nature working alongside you . Many gardeners enjoy the added biodiversity this technique bestow .

Cover Crops

Cover crops , like trefoil or Secale cereale , enactment as living mulch . They keep grass from taking handle by competing for sunlight and nutrient . When mowed or turn into the soil , they add organic matter , enriching the garden . This method acting is often lowball but offers farseeing - terminus benefit for dirt wellness and weed curtailment . A saucy pick for those looking to better their garden ecosystem by nature .

Hand Weeding Tools

Hand weed might vocalize boring , but with the right tools , it becomes much easy . Specialized tools like dandelion diggers or weed pullers can make quick piece of work of stubborn trespasser . These tools allow for precision , ensuring you remove the root , deoxidise regrowth . Many find the process ruminative , connecting with their garden on a personal storey . gift in calibre tools to make this task efficient .

Epsom Salt Mixture

Epsom salt does wonders beyond its traditional usage . Mixed with vinegar and dish liquid ecstasy , it shape a potent locoweed - vote down solution . This mixture desiccate weeds , causing them to shrink . It ’s a innate alternative to chemical herbicides and is safe for most other plant when applied carefully . Many apprize its double power to nourish some plants and eliminate others . A versatile tool in the gardener ’s arsenal .

Shade Cloths

Shade cloths are n’t just for sun shelter ; they inhibit weed increase by set sunlight . Draped over plants or garden beds , they produce a cooler , shaded surround , unwelcoming to weeds . This method is double-dyed for area that pick up intense sun , safeguard young plants while keep gage at bay . The result is a thriving garden with minimal weeding involve . A practical solution for cheery climate .

Cardboard Mulching

© The Seattle Times

Cardboard Mulching

Boiling Water Attack

© Better Homes & Gardens

Boiling Water Attack

Homemade Vinegar Spray

© Martha Stewart

Homemade Vinegar Spray

Newspaper Layering

© Better Homes & Gardens

Newspaper Layering

Salt Solution

© The Spruce

Salt Solution

Flame Weeders

© Gardening Know How

Flame Weeders

Corn Gluten Meal

© LawnStarter

Corn Gluten Meal

Wood Chip Mulch

© Southwest Boulder & Stone

Wood Chip Mulch

Plastic Sheeting

© Pro Fabric Supply

Plastic Sheeting

Companion Planting

© Martha Stewart

Companion Planting

Cover Crops

© The Seasonal Homestead

Cover Crops

Hand Weeding Tools

© Sow Right Seeds

Epsom Salt Mixture

© Coco and Seed

Shade Cloths

© San Diego Seed Company