It’s that time of year when the thermometer takes a dive, but despite this, I reckon now is the best time of year for getting stuck into the weeds, because once they are down, they tend to stay down, at least for the cooler months…
The keys to winter weed control are – don’t take on more than you can handle and manage the disturbance created by your weeding. Poorly planned weed control often leads to the growth of more weeds, and you find yourself fighting the same battle year after year. Always make sure soil is covered with mulch once you’ve finished weeding, to protect the soil and prevent the weed seed bank from germinating and beginning the cycle again.
For example, everyone’s favourite garden weed Cobblers Pegs can be eliminated by mulching and growing shade creating plants that will outcompete them. Many exotic grasses can be similarly managed with shade and mulch.
Hand weeding is so much easier when the soil is moist and soft from recent rain, especially when weeding smaller Privet’s, Chinese Elm and many more juvenile woody weeds.
Again, minimise soil disturbance and mulch when you can. The knowledge you accumulate over many seasons of working in your garden is crucial in effective weed management, in the end your not so much beating the weeds but optimising the growth of the native plants and fruit trees that you want to grow in your garden.
Working with the seasons is great, and winter is the time to get on top of weeds. What’s more, after a long hard session of weeding, mulching and planting (which is good for the body and soul), there nothing better than warming up by the fire and partaking a well-earned warming beverage of your preference. There’s also that great feeling of doing something good for the world.
Enjoy the winter, it’s what makes the hinterland special, and remember wood fires are sustainable heating – just plant more trees!