Gardeners are being urged to use cardboard in October to keep garden beds clear over autumn and winter, helping prepare outdoor spaces for spring. The budget-friendly trick blocks sunlight from weeds, helping to suppress them.
Why October is the right time
October is an ideal time to get ahead of next year’s gardening jobs, with cooler temperatures and damp conditions helping gardeners prepare their outdoor spaces for the months ahead. As many plants begin to die back and growth slows, it is the perfect opportunity to tackle one of the most frustrating garden problems before spring arrives.
Weeds can quickly take over flower beds, vegetable patches and patios, competing with plants for valuable nutrients, water and space. While there are a number of commercial weed killers on the market, experts first recommend a natural approach.
The cardboard method
One simple way to help control weeds is to use plain cardboard as a covering over the soil. Rather than popping it in the recycling bin, gardeners can repurpose it as a temporary weed-suppressing layer.
The plant experts at GardeningExpress.co.uk said cardboard is ideal for weed suppression because it blocks sunlight, which weakens their growth over time. Cardboard is biodegradable when stickers and plastic tape are removed, making it harder for them to grow. Without sufficient light, many existing weeds will struggle to survive, while the covering can also help prevent weed seeds from germinating.
It's important to note that if it rains, the cardboard may need to be replaced. It can also block water and nutrients from other plants, so it's vital that it be used only to suppress weeds.
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 a few months, the cardboard will also begin to decompose, benefiting the soil as “brown” matter and helping create a healthier growing environment for the rest of the garden.
