I've Never Weeded In My Life Before

[chrissa1]

I have a small front garden in my new rented house with mostly soil and paving stones. I've planted bedding plants around the edges but the weeds are rampant.
What is the quickest and easiest way to get rid of these things? Do I pull them up by hand or dig it over with a fork?

[samak]

Dig them up making sure you get all the roots out.

[Ratty2E]

Probably too late now but when the bedding plants are finished you might want to put a weed control fabric down, you can get it from any garden center/DIY shop. It stops light getting to the soil which will stop the weed seeds germinating. Next year you can just cut little slits in it and plant your bedding through the fabric. Or you could put down some bark chips around the plants now which will help with weeds and watering as it will help keep the soil moist.

[chrissa1]

Thanks guys. Does weedkiller work?

[jno]

yes, but sometimes on other plants too. A weed is just a plant you don't want, and weedkillers can't always read your mind.

[chrissa1]

It started raining and I've got a bad back. :)

[jno]

it can be easier to weed in damp soil (not while it's pouring though) as it makes it easier to pull roots out. In hard dry soil they'll just snap off.

[jno]

http://backandneck.ab...backpaingardening.htm

[chrissa1]

You lot are determined to get me weeding aren't you? Lol. Seriously though, thanks for the tips. I did do a bit this afternoon and I Must tackle it soon as my daughter is coming home in two weeks and as she de-weeded it before she left, there'll be murder in this house. Of course, I could just leave it for Her to do. Ha ha.

[rowanwitch]

I put a bit of plastic down and sit to weed borders really carefully as otherwise I am too stiff to do much when I finish

[chrissa1]

Good idea rowanwitch. Pesky little critters!!