How to deal with weeds this winter

21:11:20 19th November 2009

Gardeners should use the damp ground at this time of year to deal with weeds, the Daily Telegraph reported yesterday (November 18th).

When gardening, pulling weeds up directly from the ground is more environmentally friendly than using weed killer, and should be relatively easy after heavy rainfall.

It is crucial that nettles and bindweed are removed before the spring, as they can spread quickly, particularly up the frames of timber arbours.

Thistles and dandelions are among the main irritants, and gardeners should keep a trowel handy in their garden sheds for uprooting them.

Taking out weeds can help improve drainage on garden lawns, and applying potash to grass can help them survive the cold winter months.

However, gardeners should wait until spring before applying nitrogen-rich fertilisers which encourage quick, leafy growth.

Gardeners are also recommended to protect their plants at this time of year by applying a layer of mulch to exposed earth.