It is never possible to entirely rid your garden of weeds, but even weeds that seem difficult to remove can be overcome and with persistent effort and a lot of patience annual weeds will diminish each season if you keep on killing off the seedlings before they can flower and generate more weed seeds.

Once you have managed to reduce the population of weeds a programme of mulching and prompt weed clearance as soon as they appear will keep your garden almost weed-free.

Don’t be fooled into thinking this is a quick process however, as weed clearance can take a couple of garden seasons before weeds are effectively removed. It is more evident if you have been neglecting your garden so keep on top of things for great results.

Deep-rooted perennial weeds and the types of weeds that have long roots which penetrate deep into the ground are best removed by using a fork to dig them up. Use the fork to make the roots loose and hold the weed stem as close to the base as possible when you pull it out of the ground, ensuring you pull up the whole of the weed if possible.

If you do not manage to pull out all of the root then new weeds will continue to grow.

Using to hoe to control weeds is another good method of weed management, but it is a job which needs to be carried out regularly. Make sure to hoe the garden beds and borders and remember not to neglect the vegetable garden if you have one.

Weedkillers are another useful option in the battle against weeds and are very helpful if you need to clear an area of weeds quickly and efficiently. Some types of weedkiller have been designed to kill only the top growth of weeds allowing you to plant in the same area after a day or so of applying the weedkiller.

Some types of weedkiller have been designed to kill the whole weed, including the root. Depending on the type of weedkiller and the weed to be removed you may need to either spray the affected area or paint the weedkiller formulation directly onto the weed itself.

Always consult the directions that accompany the weedkiller before use and if in doubt ask for advice at your local garden centre or weedkiller supplier.

Another effective method of controlling weeds is to use mulch, especially in the vegetable and fruit garden. Plastic sheeting placed around the base of plants and vegetables is also a money-saving method of keeping weeds to a minimum, however it can sometimes not be that attractive from an aesthetic point of view in the garden.

When applying a mulch, such as chipped bark, garden compost or cocoa shells, make an effort to clear the ground of all weeds first and then spread the mulch at least 5cm (2in) thick. Ensuring an even layer of mulch to the appropriate thickness should keep most weeds from growing through the mulch layer.

Keep up the battle against weeds in your garden and you will be rewarded with less and less weeds in the garden every season.

For further advice and timely tips on all aspects of gardening, please visit The Seasonal Gardener

For specific gardening jobs and tips, please visit The Seasonal Gardener website.

Do you ever dream about what your yard could look like some day? As you look through garden catalogs filled with beautiful trees, shrubs, flowers and pictures of beautifully landscaped yards–complete with ponds and garden sculptures–the choices seem endless. Before ordering hundreds of plants or giving up because you cannot decide what you really want, here are a few things to consider.

A common issue in landscaping is creating a peaceful, private environment. While fencing can provide immediate privacy, consider a buffer strip of shrubbery between your yard and the one next door. Many shrubs will grow quickly–within a couple of years–and act as a screen while providing habitat for a variety of birds. Consider planting native shrubs because they are usually well adapted to local conditions and may provide the best habitat for local wildlife. Other considerations: whether the plants have special characteristics such as flowers or fruits, how large they will eventually become, and how much maintenance they require to remain healthy and in scale with your yard. Check with a local nursery or garden center for recommended species.

If you always thought it would be fun to have a pond, try it. With the variety of materials now on the market, anyone can have a garden pond, regardless of the size of the yard. If you have a lot of space, you can build one right in the ground. You can purchase a pre-formed mold or dig a hole and line it with a plastic pond liner. A simple type of pond consists of a plastic lined barrel or tub. Just add water, plants, a pump, and even fish–and you have a pond for your patio. Be sure to consider sources of electricity if you intend to add a pump. Also, make sure you use caution and take security measures if small children have access to your yard and the pond. Another factor to consider is maintenance. A pond can require a lot of effort to keep it clear of algae, leaves, and debris.

If you do not want to spend your weekends maintaining a yard, turn part of it into a wildflower garden. Depending on where you live, this could be a prairie, desert landscape, or alpine garden. Check on local zoning ordinances. Some communities have not yet recognized the value of native landscaping and may consider this a nuisance area. If you want a more maintained yard, consider ground covers instead of grass and use mulch to control weeds in foundation plantings and flower beds.

When selecting plants, make sure they are adapted to your area. Consider both the minimum and maximum temperatures, amount of moisture, amount of sunlight, and soil characteristics. Ask yourself: Do you want an annual that will need replanting every year or a perennial that comes up year after year? Do you want cut flowers for inside your home or to give to friends?

Consider native plants. They are usually better adapted to local conditions and need little maintenance. Be cautious about introducing exotic species such as purple loosestrife that will become invasive and is prohibited in many states.

Above all, choose what you like. There is an enormous variety of plants that will provide food and shelter to a wide variety of wildlife. With a little planning, you and the local wildlife can both enjoy the yard of your dreams.

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It is never possible to entirely rid your garden of weeds, but even weeds that seem difficult to remove can be overcome and with persistent effort and a lot of patience annual weeds will diminish each season if you keep on killing off the seedlings before they can flower and generate more weed seeds.

Once you have managed to reduce the population of weeds a programme of mulching and prompt weed clearance as soon as they appear will keep your garden almost weed-free.

Don’t be fooled into thinking this is a quick process however, as weed clearance can take a couple of garden seasons before weeds are effectively removed. It is more evident if you have been neglecting your garden so keep on top of things for great results.

Deep-rooted perennial weeds and the types of weeds that have long roots which penetrate deep into the ground are best removed by using a fork to dig them up. Use the fork to make the roots loose and hold the weed stem as close to the base as possible when you pull it out of the ground, ensuring you pull up the whole of the weed if possible.

If you do not manage to pull out all of the root then new weeds will continue to grow.

Using to hoe to control weeds is another good method of weed management, but it is a job which needs to be carried out regularly. Make sure to hoe the garden beds and borders and remember not to neglect the vegetable garden if you have one.

Weedkillers are another useful option in the battle against weeds and are very helpful if you need to clear an area of weeds quickly and efficiently. Some types of weedkiller have been designed to kill only the top growth of weeds allowing you to plant in the same area after a day or so of applying the weedkiller.

Some types of weedkiller have been designed to kill the whole weed, including the root. Depending on the type of weedkiller and the weed to be removed you may need to either spray the affected area or paint the weedkiller formulation directly onto the weed itself.

Always consult the directions that accompany the weedkiller before use and if in doubt ask for advice at your local garden centre or weedkiller supplier.

Another effective method of controlling weeds is to use mulch, especially in the vegetable and fruit garden. Plastic sheeting placed around the base of plants and vegetables is also a money-saving method of keeping weeds to a minimum, however it can sometimes not be that attractive from an aesthetic point of view in the garden.

When applying a mulch, such as chipped bark, garden compost or cocoa shells, make an effort to clear the ground of all weeds first and then spread the mulch at least 5cm (2in) thick. Ensuring an even layer of mulch to the appropriate thickness should keep most weeds from growing through the mulch layer.

Keep up the battle against weeds in your garden and you will be rewarded with less and less weeds in the garden every season.

For further advice and timely tips on all aspects of gardening, please visit The Seasonal Gardener

For specific gardening jobs and tips, please visit The Seasonal Gardener website.