Weeding 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 drop combat weedseach calendar month .

In this article , you ’ll discover14 surprising weeding hacksthat really solve , fromsoil preparation strategiesandtiming techniquestounusual toolsandnatural deterrents . These expert - approved tips can save youfive hours or more every month , all while keeping your garden look light and healthy .

Less time weeding mean more time enjoying — and that ’s a trade any gardener will take .

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

Cardboard Mulching

Cardboard might seem an strange garden tool , yet it turn wonders in restrain weed growth . Acting as a barrier , it deprives weed of sunlight and help oneself retain soil moisture . set it under mulch for an spare bed of protection . Not only does this method abbreviate weeding time , but it also recycle materials you might have dwell around . Many nurseryman are amazed by how efficient this simple cab can be . It ’s a win - win for both your garden and the environment .

Boiling Water Attack

Ever thought about boil water outside the kitchen ? It ’s deadly to pot ! Douse undesired plants with boiling water , and within days , they wilt away . The heat destroys flora cells , ensure the widow’s weeds do n’t return anytime presently . This method acting is particularly handy for drive and walkway . Just be conservative not to splosh on works you bid to keep . A quick and eco - friendly solution to persistent garden nuisances .

Homemade Vinegar Spray

acetum is n’t just for salad ; it ’s a potent weed killer . The acetic acid draws moisture from the weeds , leave them to dry up chop-chop . Mix acetum with a small dish soap and you have a powerful solution to spray directly on unwanted growth . This method is as well-fixed as Proto-Indo European , and many ascertain it surprising how effective household ingredients can be in garden sustentation . An economical alternative to store - bought chemicals .

Newspaper Layering

Much like cardboard , newspaper can play as a green goddess - halt layer . Spread several tabloid across the soil before exceed with soil or mulch . This method prevent sunlight from nurturing dope while still tolerate moisture to pass the roots of your plant . It ’s a practical means to reprocess older newspaper while keep on the weeds at bay . Plus , over metre , the paper decomposes , enrich your soil naturally .

Salt Solution

table salt is more than a kitchen staple fiber ; it ’s a rude weed killer . sprinkle salt at the radical of weeds dehydrate them , in effect curbing growth . It ’s particularly useful for non - plant areas , like terrace , where you want zero dark-green intrusion . Use sparingly , specially near worthy plant , as salt can disrupt stain health . It ’s a tried - and - straight method for those tricky spots where sens seem to thrive .

Flame Weeders

Flame weeder extend a rather striking approach to weed control . By apply direct heating , they defeat weeds quickly and effectively . Ideal for gravel path or driveways , this method requires caution but pay off in efficiency . Many find the physical process unexpectedly gratify , watch weeds shrivel under the flame . Always consider safety machine first , insure the environ area is costless of flammable material .

Corn Gluten Meal

clavus gluten meal play as a pre - emergent herbicide , disrupting weed seeded player germination . Used widely in constitutional horticulture , it ’s a safe way to prevent next weed growth without harming exist plants . Simply sprinkle it across your garden beds and let nature take its line . The strength lies in its timely applications programme , best done before weed ejaculate start burgeon forth . An splendid choice for proactive gardeners .

Wood Chip Mulch

Mrs. Henry Wood Saratoga chip are not just ornamental ; they ’re a redoubtable skunk deterrent . By covering the soil , they draw a blank sun , suppressing weed growth while keep soil wet . They also slowly break down , adding nutrients back into the soil . Many gardeners revalue the aesthetic and hard-nosed benefits of wood chip mulch . It ’s a simple yet effective way of life to keep gardens neat and weed - free .

Plastic Sheeting

shaping sheeting provide a robust roadblock against sens . position across garden beds , it prevents sunlight from reaching weeds , effectively halting their growth . It ’s in particular effective in great vegetable darn or flower beds . While it might not be the pretty solution , its efficiency is undeniable . Some nurseryman cut hole for their plants , check they get the light they demand while weeds do not .

Companion Planting

fellow planting is more than just place plant together ; it ’s a strategical alliance . Certain plants , like marigolds , naturally repel weeds and pestilence when planted alongside vegetables . This method not only reduces pot increase but enhances works wellness and output . It ’s a symmetrical path to garden , with nature working alongside you . Many gardener enjoy the added biodiversity this technique institute .

Cover Crops

incubate craw , like trefoil or rye whisky , bit as living mulch . They prevent mourning band from take hold by competing for sunlight and nutrients . When cut down or move around into the soil , they sum up organic matter , enriching the garden . This method is often underestimated but offers recollective - term benefits for soil wellness and weed stifling . A smart selection for those look to better their garden ecosystem by nature .

Hand Weeding Tools

Hand weeding might vocalise tedious , but with the right instrument , it becomes much easier . Specialized dick like blowball diggers or dope pullers can make warm work of unregenerate trespasser . These dick earmark for preciseness , insure you bump off the root , boil down regrowth . Many see the unconscious process meditative , connecting with their garden on a personal level . commit in quality tools to make this labor effective .

Epsom Salt Mixture

Epsom salt does wonders beyond its traditional uses . Mixed with vinegar and dish soap , it form a potent weed - drink down resolution . This intermixture dehydrates weeds , induce them to wither . It ’s a natural alternative to chemical herbicides and is good for most other plants when go for carefully . Many apprize its two-fold ability to nurture some plants and eliminate others . A versatile tool in the gardener ’s arsenal .

Shade Cloths

Shade fabric are n’t just for sun protection ; they inhibit weed growth by limiting sunlight . Draped over plants or garden layer , they make a ice chest , shaded environment , unwelcoming to weeds . This method is pure for areas that receive acute sunshine , safeguard young plants while go on sens at alcove . The result is a thriving garden with minimum weeding required . A hard-nosed solvent for cheery climates .

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

Hand Weeding Tools

Epsom Salt Mixture

© Coco and Seed

Epsom Salt Mixture

Shade Cloths

© San Diego Seed Company

Shade Cloths