Why weeds keep coming back
Most stubborn weeds store energy in their roots. Snap the leaves off and the root sends up new ones within days. That’s why dandelions feel invincible, their tap root can be 25cm deep.
Step 1 · Water first
Damp soil releases roots much more easily than baked ground. If it hasn’t rained, water the area half an hour before you start weeding.
Step 2 · Pick the right tool
- Dandelion fork, for tap-rooted weeds (dandelions, dock).
- Dutch hoe, for small seedlings across a border.
- Paving knife, for weeds between slabs or along kerbs.
- Gloved hand, for nettles, thistles and anything spiky.
Step 3 · Go for the root
Grip the weed low, right at the soil line, and pull slowly and steadily. If you feel it snap rather than give, wiggle the fork deeper and try again. Small, boring, slow. But it works.
Tip: don’t leave it too late
Weeds are easiest to pull in spring and early summer when the ground is soft and before they’ve gone to seed. One seed this year is a hundred plants next year.
Step 4 · Dispose properly
If a weed has flowered or seeded, don’t compost it, your compost heap isn’t hot enough to kill the seeds, and you’ll spread them round the garden next season. Bin, burn or take them to the tip.
Step 5 · Keep on top of it
A 10-minute stroll round the garden every couple of weeks is far easier than a full Saturday fighting a jungle. Little and often wins every time.
Too many to tackle?
Our weed pulling service starts at £20. We work across Sandwich, Deal, Worth, Ash, Woodnesborough, Eastry and Sandwich Bay, and we take the weeds away with us. Get a quote.