Keep control

Managing weeds and pests is one of the most maligned aspects of gardening, yet it's among the most important. Weeds compete with plants for nutrients, water, and light, while pests can cause direct damage to foliage, stems, and roots, both significantly impacting plant health and productivity. Fortunately, there are many effective strategies to reduce the time and effort required to keep the garden both weed and pest-free.

Prepare new ground thoroughly before planting

Make sure that any perennial weed roots such as dock leaves, dandelions and thistles are removed as new areas are prepared for planting. These should not be composted but put out with your household waste or dried out and added to the bonfire. Composting them or chopping them up will only make new plants when the compost is spread.

Hoeing is a quickest and most effective form of weed control in the garden. Regular hoeing between rows will kill annual weeds and keep on top of perennial weeds as they regrow. Choose a dry day when the soil surface is dry and hoe as often as you can.

Mulching acts as a weed suppressant and, due to the crumbly texture that it creates on the soil surface, makes any weeds much easier to remove, but it has a number of other benefits too:

It acts as a soil conditioner. The worms and weather will take the mulch into the soil, adding to the amount of organic matter and nutrients available to your plants.

If applied after large amounts of rain, for example in spring, mulch will help to keep moisture in the soil for longer and cut down on watering through any dry weather.

It’s a great way of recycling if you make your own compost or have a good supply of well-rotted farmyard or stable manure.

Areas that are to be newly planted can be covered with a permeable membrane to act as ground cover material, once the ground has been thoroughly prepared. This will allow water in but keeps the light out and stop many weeds from growing. Planting can be done through the membrane by cutting a cross in it and to finish, the area can be covered with bark or gravel.

There are many plants that can be used to cover the ground and act as weed suppressants in areas that you may not want to garden often. These are perennials and shrubs that form an attractive carpet, which suppress germination and development of weed seeds and eliminate the need for weed control measures. Examples of these include Hebe ‘Pagei’; dark purple-flowered Vinca (Periwinkle) and Bergenia (Elephant’s Ears) ‘Silberlicht’.

As well as weeds, many gardeners face common challenges with pests and diseases. With a few thoughtful choices and a nature-friendly approach, these too can be kept in check.

Slugs

Slugs are one of the most common garden pests, especially in damp weather. Try deterrents first such as grit, wool pellets, or copper tape around pots. If needed, use a natural product containing Ferric phosphate. It’s much safer for wildlife, pets, and the wider garden ecosystem than traditional pellets.

Rose Blackspot

This fungal disease causes black or purple leaf spots and can lead to leaf drop. Use a natural-based spray preventatively and regularly to keep it under control. Where possible, choose disease-resistant rose varieties to reduce the risk.

Aphids (on runner beans, roses, etc.)

These tiny sapsuckers often appear in clusters and can damage soft shoots. Give it a few days to see if ladybirds or other natural predators take care of the problem. If not, use a natural spray, and only treat affected areas. Always spray on a still day, ideally early morning or evening when pollinators are less active.

If you have an organic garden, weeds can be controlled without resorting to chemicals. Some deeply rooted weeds might be more difficult to eradicate but not impossible. All of the above methods are suitable for use in an organic garden, but other options include:

Hand pulling or weeding with a fork

Using a weed knife (which has a hooked end) between paving slabs and along paths edges

Repeated cutting will weaken and can kill some weeds, but this might take several years in large weedy areas

Using a flame gun to scorch of weeds between paving slabs and on driveways

Weedkiller (herbicide) can be used with care in your garden. There are different types of herbicides for use in different situations.

Selective weedkillers, such as lawn weed killer, are used to control broad leaved weeds on lawns without harming the grass.

Contact weedkillers will kill all plants that they are applied to. In ideal conditions, results can be seen within a day, but they may not kill weed roots so perennial weeds such as docks and dandelions may regrow.

Systemic weed killers will also kill all plants that they are applied to. Usually, they are slower acting than contact weed killers but will kill roots as well as top growth.

Weed killers that are available as ‘ready to use’ (RTU) have been diluted and can be used straight away, or for larger areas concentrates can be purchased to dilute with water in a sprayer or watering can.

Choose a dry day with no wind. Make sure that the weeds are dry before you spray so that the solution sticks to the leaves.

Try to spray early in the day or last thing in the evening when there are fewer insects on the wing.

Choose the right spray for the job.

There is no need to drench the weeds, just spray a little on each one and it will work.

If you have a large area to spray, invest in a small sprayer so that the correct amount can be applied. Using a watering can is less economical.

Make sure you mark your sprayer or watering can ‘WEED KILLER ONLY’ to prevent them being used for pesticides or to water plants.

Buy little and often and always store herbicides responsibly.

Controlling weeds and managing pests doesn't have to be an overwhelming task. With a combination of thoughtful preparation, consistent maintenance, and the right tools can create a healthy, productive garden that thrives throughout the season.