SAVE yourself a summer of pulling up weeds in your yard by taking these three steps right now.
Gardening experts have revealed the best ways to prevent unwanted plants from popping up in your flowerbeds.
According to the professionals at The Grounds Guys, there are several easy measures you can take to protect your garden.
For their first tip, the green-thumbed enthusiasts recommended laying a barrier on your flower beds.
"Weed barriers come in materials like fabric, cardboard, or burlap, and when used under mulch can be very effective at reducing your weeds down to few or none," they explained.
The professionals added that putting in a weed barrier can be time-consuming but it makes gardening easier for the rest of the season.
They also advised gardening enthusiasts to add mulch to their flowerbeds.
"Not only does mulch help prevent weeds, stabilize the soil, and prevent rapid evaporation, but it can also enhance the appearance of your garden, flower bed, or yard," the experts said.
When used with a barrier, mulch can significantly reduce the number of weeds that pop up.
Organic mulch includes bark chips, straw, or compost, while inorganic mulch can be colorful stones and gravel.
"When using mulch as a natural weed barrier, you need to maintain a three to four-inch layer," the gardeners said.
"A thick layer of mulch will block access to sunlight, and make it very difficult for weeds to grow through the mulch."
Using compost in your flowerbeds is another way to keep intrusive weeds to a minimum.
"You can make your own compost using organic scraps, lawn clippings, and other materials, or you can buy compost at local nurseries," the experts said.
Tips for preventing weeds
- Lay down barrier materials
- Add mulch to your flowerbeds
- Use compost in your garden
- Avoid over-digging or tilling
As well as helping to prevent weeds from growing, compost also helps seedlings thrive.
The experts also advised against over-digging and tilling your flowerbeds.
"Any time you break up the surface of the soil, it introduces new ways for weeds to take hold," they explained.
"All soil contains weed seeds, and the action of tilling the dirt can activate those seeds.
"Some weeds also have deep root systems that can lay dormant for long periods of time, only sprouting new growth when disturbed."