October is the ideal time to get ahead of next year's gardening jobs, and experts say laying cardboard over soil can help naturally suppress weeds and prepare your outdoor space for spring.
Cooler temperatures and damp conditions make October an excellent opportunity to get a head start on next year's gardening tasks. As many plants begin to die back and growth slows down, it's the perfect moment to tackle one of the most persistent garden nuisances before spring arrives.
The cardboard method
Weeds can swiftly overtake flower beds, vegetable patches and patios, competing with plants for essential nutrients, water and space. While numerous commercial weed killers are available, experts recommend trying a natural approach first.
One simple way to keep weeds under control is to lay plain cardboard directly over the soil. Rather than tossing it in the recycling bin, gardeners can repurpose it as a temporary weed-suppressing barrier.
Plant specialists at GardeningExpress.co.uk say cardboard is particularly effective for weed suppression because it blocks sunlight, gradually weakening weeds. Provided stickers and plastic tape are removed beforehand, cardboard is fully biodegradable, making it harder for weeds to thrive.
Deprived of adequate light, many existing weeds will struggle to survive, while the covering can also prevent weed seeds from taking hold. It's worth noting that heavy rainfall may mean the cardboard requires replacing.
It can also restrict water and nutrients from reaching other plants, so it's essential that it is used solely in areas where weed suppression is needed.
How to use cardboard to suppress weeds
The plant experts said: "Lay the cardboard flat on the ground, ensuring it completely covers the affected area and is pressed down securely to prevent any gaps."
If smaller pieces of cardboard are all that are at hand, overlap them by around 15cm to stop weeds creeping through the edges to reach the sunlight.
"Once the cardboard is in place, cover it with a layer of mulch or compost. This helps hold the cardboard down as well as improving its appearance and retaining moisture in the soil, allowing the cardboard to break down naturally."
According to the experts, after several months, the cardboard will also start to decompose, enriching the soil as "brown" matter and contributing to a better growing environment for the rest of the garden.
