October offers gardeners a chance to get ahead on next year's tasks, as cooler temperatures and moist conditions help prepare outdoor spaces for the months ahead. With many plants beginning to wither and growth slowing, it is an ideal time to tackle weeds before spring arrives.
Weeds can quickly take hold in flower beds, vegetable patches and patios, competing with plants for nutrients, water and space. While many weed-killing methods exist, experts recommend trying a natural solution first.
The cardboard method
One simple way to manage weeds is to use plain cardboard as a covering over the soil. Instead of putting it in the recycling bin, gardeners can repurpose it as a temporary weed-suppressing layer.
The plant specialists at GardeningExpress.co.uk said cardboard is well suited for weed suppression because it blocks sunlight, which gradually weakens weed growth. Cardboard is biodegradable once stickers and plastic tape are removed, making it harder for weeds to thrive.
Without adequate light, many existing weeds will struggle to survive, while the covering can also help stop weed seeds from germinating. It is worth noting that if rainfall occurs, the cardboard may need to be replaced.
It can also prevent water and nutrients from reaching other plants, so it should only be used specifically 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."
The experts note that after several months, the cardboard will start to break down, enriching the soil as "brown" matter and contributing to a better growing environment for the rest of the garden.
