5 Expert-Approved Tricks to Get Rid of Weeds in Your Garden

Spring is here, bringing fresh blooms, longer days—and the inevitable return of weeds. But before you resign yourself to a season of endless pulling, know there’s a better way. Instead of battling nature, work with it using smart, organic strategies that keep weeds in check without backbreaking labor or harsh chemicals. From smothering methods like lasagna mulching to a home-brewed, weed-fighting super tea, these expert-approved tricks will help you reclaim your garden with less effort and more sustainability. A little strategy now means fewer weeds later—so you can spend more time enjoying your garden, not battling it.

The key is consistency, and with these five methods, you have the flexibility to mix and match depending on your specific situation.  Remember, a little effort now will save you hours later—and give you a lush, thriving space to relax, recharge, and reconnect with nature during the warmer seasons ahead. 

Preemptive Planting: Crowd out Weeds with Living Mulch

Thomas J. Story

Why it works: The best defense against weeds is a good offense—by planting dense, low-growing plants like clover, creeping thyme, or even better: native groundcovers! This method creates a natural barrier that shades out weeds before they even have a chance to sprout. 

Unexpected tip: For an edible twist, consider using wild strawberries or miner’s lettuce as ground cover for shady areas. Not only do they suppress weeds, but they also offer a bonus harvest—fresh, nutritious snacks right from your garden.

Best for: This method is perfect for home gardeners who want to reduce their weeding time while boosting biodiversity. By incorporating ground covers (especially native options that flower, like yarrow), you’re helping build a more resilient garden ecosystem, supporting pollinators, and creating a healthy, low-maintenance space that works with nature.

Smother & Suffocate: The Lasagna Mulch Method

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Why it works: The lasagna mulch method is all about layering—just like its name suggests. By layering cardboard, compost, and mulch, you create a thick barrier that blocks sunlight, stopping weed seeds from germinating. As the materials decompose, they enrich the soil, improving its structure and fertility over time. It’s a win-win for your garden and the environment.

Unexpected tip: Why spend money on mulch when nature gives you a free alternative? In the fall, gather fallen leaves, which are nutrient-packed, moisture-retentive, and pollinator-friendly. They’re perfect for layering, adding organic matter to your soil while also smothering weeds.

Best for: This method is ideal for gardeners looking to revamp overgrown beds or to start a new one from scratch. It’s low-effort, sustainable, and helps restore soil health while keeping weeds at bay.

Solarize & Sterilize: The Sun-Powered Weed Buster

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Why it works: If you live in a sunny, hot climate, this method makes the most of the heat. By covering an area with a plastic sheet, you create a mini-greenhouse effect that traps the sun’s rays. The intense heat builds up underneath, effectively baking weed seeds and seedlings right out of the soil, sterilizing the area and preventing further growth.

Unexpected tip: Want to go the eco-friendly route? Instead of employing single-use plastic, try repurposing old glass windows or recycled greenhouse plastic. These materials can still trap heat but are a more sustainable option, reducing waste while still getting the job done.

Best for: This method is perfect for Western gardeners with hot dry summers (think California, Arizona, and Nevada) who are trying to reclaim an overrun area. It’s especially effective for larger spaces, such as garden beds, lawns, or unused plots that need a little TLC before planting season.

The Right Tools: Weed Smarter, Not Harder

Thomas J. Story

Why it works: When it comes to weeding, the right tool can make all the difference. These are our three favorites to add to your garden arsenal now:

The Hori Hori knife’s sharp, serrated edge is perfect for slicing through roots and digging deep into tough soil, making it ideal for both weeding and general garden tasks.

The Grandpa Weeder is a favorite for its ability to extract weeds from their roots with minimal effort and without bending over, thanks to its steel gripping prongs and foot lever designed to grasp and loosen the soil in one smooth motion.

Finally the push-pull hoe’s long handle and angled blade make it incredibly efficient at chopping down weeds just below the soil surface, reducing back strain while covering more ground quickly (putting any stirrup hoe to shame).

Unexpected tip: Looking for a precision weeding solution? Your tea kettle can be put to work! Fill it with boiling water, and you’ve got a DIY hot-water weeder. Perfect for blasting weeds out of cracks in your patio or driveway without chemicals. Just be careful not to poach surrounding plants!

Best for: This method is great for gardeners who don’t mind a little manual labor but want to make the job as efficient as possible. With the right tools, working after a rain event for softer soil, you’ll be able to tackle weeds quickly and save your back while getting the job done.

Sip, Don’t Spray: Organic DIY Weed “Tea”

Thomas J. Story

Why it works: Who knew weeds could be so useful? Brewed from foraged invasive plants like oxalis and dandelions, weed “tea” is a powerful, eco-friendly way to weaken aggressive weeds and boost the nutrients in your soil. The natural compounds in these plants can help break down tough, unwanted growth, making them less of a problem for your garden while providing a nutrient boost to the crops you actually want to thrive. Simply brew your own batch and pour it back into the soil for a low-maintenance, organic solution that works in harmony with nature.

Unexpected tip: For an extra punch, add a splash of vinegar to your weed tea. It helps increase its potency, but be careful—vinegar is a bit too harsh for your prized plants, so keep it away from anything you want to protect!

Best for: This method is perfect for sustainable-minded gardeners who don’t mind a little DIY project. It’s a great way to repurpose those pesky weeds you’ve just pulled up while nurturing your soil and reducing the need for harmful chemicals.

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