How to get rid of weeds between chilli plants?

Question

Hi there,

I have a vege patch having almost 50 chilli plants. Recently I noticed a weed is being grown even after hand pulling.

Please suggest me a better way to get rid of this weed.

Also help me how to treat the soil in next season to avoid weeding.

Thansk and Regards,

Vijay Wani

EricL · Answer

Hello @VijayWani

It all depends on what plant you'll be planting next season. Are you going to plant chilli plants again? If not, my best advice is to do a little bit of research in regards to the requirements of the plant you plan on planting in your garden.

However, for next season’s chilli plants, focus on boosting organic matter and adding a gentle slow-release fertiliser. Since your soil isn’t clay heavy, the simplest mix is compost + aged manure + a balanced fertiliser. Work in a 30–50 mm layer of compost such as

https://www.bunnings.com.au/richgro-25l-black-marvel-garden-compost_p0289036

, then add a light layer of organic manure like

https://www.bunnings.com.au/yates-7kg-dynamic-lifter-organic-plant-food-soil-improver-pellets_p2961508

to improve nutrient levels and soil biology. Before planting, mix through a slow-release vegetable fertiliser such as

https://www.bunnings.com.au/scotts-osmocote-500g-tomato-vegetable-and-herb-controlled-release-fertiliser_p2961296

so the chillies get steady feeding through the season. This combination gives you loose, nutrient-rich soil that chilli plants love and usually only needs topping up with mulch afterward.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

VijayWani · Answer

Thanks for the reply. It will help me a lot. Alsi I want to know How can I prepare the soil meaning what kind of fertilizers or compost I should use for the next season ?

Regards,

Vijay Wani

EricL · Answer

Hello @VijayWani

That weed looks like a mix of oxalis (the small clover-like leaves) and likely hairy bittercress, both of which are very common in veggie beds and frustrating because they regrow from tiny roots and also drop a lot of seed. Hand pulling alone often feels like it isn’t working because any disturbed soil brings up a fresh batch of seedlings, and oxalis in particular can leave small pieces behind that reshoot.

I would suggest doing one thorough hand-weeding session first, ideally when the soil is slightly damp, so the roots slide out more easily. Try to loosen the soil lightly with your fingers or a hand fork rather than pulling straight up, as that helps remove more of the root system. Once cleared, lay down a weed mat or weed barrier fabric around the chilli plants, cutting neat X-shaped openings just big enough for each stem. After that, add a decent layer of mulch over the top, around 50–75 mm thick. This combination blocks light, prevents new seeds from germinating, and stops the soil from constantly being disturbed.

Another helpful step is to top up mulch regularly rather than letting it thin out. Even without weed mat, a thick mulch layer alone can reduce weeds dramatically, but using both together in a chilli patch with lots of plants is very effective. Also try to avoid turning the soil deeply during the season, because that brings buried weed seeds to the surface where they germinate.

For next season, the best long-term approach is prevention. After removing plants at the end of the season, give the bed a clean weed, water it lightly to encourage any remaining seeds to sprout, then hoe or remove those seedlings before planting. This “false start” technique reduces the seed bank. You can then plant straight into mulch or into holes cut into weed mat. Keeping soil covered year-round, even in the off-season, is one of the biggest things that reduces weeds over time.

If any oxalis keeps popping through, remove it early before it flowers, because once it sets seed it spreads very quickly. With one good clean-up, weed mat, and consistent mulch, you should see a big reduction within a few weeks, and next season will be much easier

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric