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Hi,
I'm looking for some advice on how to control weeds in my back garden please!
I prefer not to use any herbicides or chemical sprays.
would it be worth getting a weed mat to cover the area for a few weeks, then lay cardboard and mulch?
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @markan01. It's fabulous to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about weed removal.
If your aim is to completely clear the area of weeds and grass so you can start fresh, then black plastic sheeting or layering cardboard under mulch are both good herbicide-free options. They work by blocking out sunlight and smothering plant growth, with black plastic often acting faster because it also traps heat, while cardboard is slower but still effective and will eventually break down into the soil. However, if you’re hoping to keep your grass and only remove the weeds, things become more challenging. A selective herbicide is usually the only way to target weeds without harming the lawn, but since you prefer not to use sprays, the alternative is regular hand-weeding. This works best when weeds are young and before they set seed, though it can be time-consuming if they’re already well established or tangled through the grass. Ultimately, the best approach depends on whether you want to reset the whole area or preserve the lawn you already have.
Here's a helpful guide: How to control weeds organically.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
