Get rid of them for good!
Pulling the weeds
Instead of using any poison, you can simply remove the weeds by pulling them out. It is important that you dig up the roots as well, so they will not grow back.
This method is more effective against certain kinds of weeds. We collected a list and tips for some of the most common ones.
Gardening guide
Different types of Weeds
Different types of weeds may require different methods of control. Here are some common types of weeds you might encounter in your garden, along with specific advice on how to deal with them.
Dandelions (Taraxacum officinale)
These weeds have a deep taproot and can reproduce from any part of the root left in the soil. The key to controlling dandelions is to dig them up, making sure to remove the entire root. A forked dandelion weeder tool can be very helpful for this task.
Crabgrass (Digitaria spp.)
Crabgrass is an annual weed that spreads by seeds. The best way to control it is to prevent it from seeding. Mulch can be very effective in preventing crabgrass seeds from germinating. A pre-emergent herbicide can also be used in the spring to prevent seed germination.
Creeping Charlie or Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea)
This perennial weed spreads by stolons (above-ground stems) and can be very difficult to control once established. Hand-pulling can work, but you must ensure to remove all the stolons. In severe cases, a post-emergent herbicide may be necessary.
Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis)
This is a perennial vine with deep roots, and it can be very difficult to control. Regular, diligent hand-pulling can help, but the roots are often too deep to fully remove. In such cases, a systemic herbicide that gets absorbed into the plant and travels down to the roots may be necessary.
Chickweed (Stellaria media)
Chickweed is an annual weed that can quickly take over a garden. Because it’s shallow-rooted, hand-pulling can be very effective. Be sure to remove it before it sets seed to prevent further spread.
Quackgrass (Elymus repens)
Quackgrass is a perennial grass that spreads by rhizomes (underground stems). It’s very hard to eradicate because small pieces of rhizome can grow into new plants. Solarization or the use of a systemic herbicide may be necessary.
Nutgrass/Nutsedge (Cyperus spp.)
Nutgrass is a perennial weed that grows from small tubers. Removing the tubers by hand can be effective, but any missed tubers can regrow. Using a non-toxic herbicide may be required.
Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans)
This plant is not only a weed, but it’s also poisonous to touch for many people. Wear protective clothing and try to remove the entire plant, including roots. Bag and discard it—do not compost it.