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Preventing weeds
Stopping weeds from coming up in the first place will save you a lot of work.
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| Paths and paving
If you don’t mind using weedkiller, then path weedkiller will prevent weeds coming up between the cracks and through gravel for several weeks at a time. Otherwise fill the cracks with cement, or hand weed using an old kitchen fork.
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Mulching
Best carried out in spring on beds and borders, spread a 5cm to 10cm (2in to 4in) deep layer of garden compost or well-rotted horse manure over exposed soil. It also reduces water loss by evaporation and helps to improve the soil condition!
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| On a shrub border, a gravel or chipped bark mulch will last longer than compost or manure.
Weed-proof membranes
Lay below a mulch such as gravel or bark. The best type is woven polypropylene as this lets water through. To plant, just cut the fabric.
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Root-proof barriers
A vertical barrier will stop rampant roots invading from next door. Dig a 30cm (1ft) deep trench and bury the barrier. The best material to use is damp-proof course (DPC), available from all builders' merchants.
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