How to Get Rid of Weeds in the Fall and Keep Your Yard Weed-Free

In recent years, many gardeners have relaxed their approach to weed control. Natural gardens, wild areas and meadow plantings have led to a more carefree approach to weeding. This positive change is rooted in environmentalism, with the awareness that we gardeners have a role to play in caring for the soil, the wider ecosystem and the wildlife in which we live.

However, as a gardener, I know that there are certain weeds that you should not grow in your flowerbeds or vegetable garden. While using inorganic chemicals to remove weeds is not recommended, there are effective methods that can help you get rid of nettles, blackberries and dandelions, and autumn is a good time to get organized and start weeding for next year.

So if you’re interested how to kill weeds This fall, our guide has all the information you need to control problem plants before they move into the winter months and return in the spring. Here I share tips and tricks for removing perennial and annual weeds, as well as lessons I’ve learned from working in private and public gardens across the UK.

Dandelion in the grass with a yellow flower

How to kill weeds in the fall

When considering how to get rid of weedsUsing natural methods is much preferable to using chemicals. Whether chickweed is spreading along your property lines or clover is growing in your gravel paths, there are weed control methods that are especially effective during the fall months and won’t necessarily affect your crops. wildlife garden ideas. So, start weeding next year by following our simple guide to learning how to kill weeds in the fall.

Manual weed removal

Weeding in the garden with a garden fork

(Image credit: Getty/lucentius)

Manual weed removal, although time-consuming, is perhaps the most effective way to get rid of unwanted plants in your yard. For many gardeners, this old approach to weed control can’t be beat because mindful gardening. So, if you want to get some fresh air in the fall and get as much vitamin D as possible, spend 15 minutes a day hand weeding your yard.

Although the climate will vary depending on where you live and your US Hardiness ZoneMost of us typically experience moderate temperatures and plenty of rain during the fall months, creating ideal conditions for annual weeds to germinate quickly. In October and November you will see new shoots sprouting through the beds and borders.

From the point of view essential gardening toolsUsing a garden hoe can be useful for annual weeds such as henbit, nettle and chickweed, most of which have shallow root systems. Simply loosen the soil with a hoe and then pull out the weeds. Just make sure you don’t remove foxgloves, aquilegia, or other two-year-old seedlings you want to keep.

For perennial weeds, a little more precision and care will be required when handling them. nettleblackberries and dandelions. Perennial weeds will have an extensive network of roots or rhizomes, all of which must be removed if you want to completely eradicate problem plants from your yard.

For example, nettle has a network of rhizomes that grow horizontally, looking like a tangled underground web that allows this weed to grow in a wide variety of locations. Blackberries, plantains, sorrel leaves and dandelions have deep taproots. This clever evolutionary adaptation can make these weeds difficult to get rid of, but patience and caution are your secret weapons.

For larger clumps of perennial weeds, loosen the soil around the crown with a fork, being careful not to cut the roots. I find it’s best to do this on humid days, as damp soil can make the job of pulling out the whole roots much easier (and more enjoyable). I once spent a day collecting sorrel leaves in a field while working as a gardener in Wales. The moist soil made this work 100 times easier.

For smaller clumps, follow the same method as above, but instead use a hand fork or hori hori knifeThis will allow you to gently pull the weed out of the soil.

Any gardener will tell you that removing weeds by hand is a long game. While you won’t be able to get rid of all the weeds, regular weeding can help prevent unwanted plants from appearing.

The latest work to add to your fall gardening checklist is mulchingwhat you can do after you finish weeding before the winter cold.

“After you finish weeding in the fall, usually around October or November, simply add a two-inch layer of mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, around the base of perennials and shrubs,” says Reese Robbinsgardening expert and creator of Just Pure Gardening. “This layer insulates the roots from extreme temperature changes, helps retain soil moisture and reduces weed growth during the winter.” You can order pine straw mulch online from Walmart..

However, if you have a serious weed problem in your yard, there are other options.

Reese L. Robbins

Reese L. Robbins is the founder of Just Pure Gardening, a site full of fruit and vegetable growing guides, garden ideas, and garden product reviews.

Using organic sprays to get rid of weeds

spraying Japanese knotweed with herbicides

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During the fall months, perennial weeds store nutrients in preparation for winter dormancy. They then use this energy to replant in the spring, so taking the time to kill them in the fall can prevent this from happening. While I always recommend hand weeding is your first and best option, I know that sometimes it can be an overwhelming task.

So, if you are overwhelmed by perennial broadleaf weeds, including nettles and dandelions, one option is to use an organic herbicide spray. While this should be a last resort, limited and targeted applications can help control a weed problem that is getting out of control.

Perennial weeds are a nuisance due to their extensive root network, as mentioned above, and any remaining root area will regrow. For example, if you are interested how to remove weeds from paving slabsFor example, dandelions growing among the cobblestones in front of your house may benefit from using a small amount of organic herbicide, as it will be nearly impossible to dig up the entire root between the small cracks.

Perennial weeds are best controlled with iron-based sprays, which can kill broadleaf varieties. without damaging the grassThis is a good option if your lawn is overgrown with weeds. Organic Iron Weed Control can be purchased on Amazon..

Do not apply herbicides or weed control products in wet or windy weather as there is always a risk that the solution could wash away and damage nearby perennials or shrubs in your border. Always choose a calm, dry day and apply a small amount. Remember that herbicides, even if organic, can biodiversityso use them wisely and sparingly.

Alternative solutions for weed control

Does baking soda kill weeds?

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There are hundreds of alternative methods you can try during the fall months, including: vinegar or baking soda to kill weeds. While there is no unanimous verdict on the viability of alternative methods, you may find one recipe or approach that works for you.

“Several natural methods can help reduce and limit the spread of weeds,” says Drew Swainstonformer professional gardener and garden content editor in Houses and gardens. “However, actually using your hands to dig, fork and lift weeds seems to be a better approach, especially if you are conscious of keeping chemicals out of your yard.”

If large areas of land are filled with perennial and annual weeds, consider covering them cardboard and cover it with mulch. “Covering the soil can discourage new weeds from growing,” adds Drew, “and while you’ll have to be patient and avoid planting here for six months or longer, this method can help clear large areas of weeds.”

Finally, if you are dealing with weeds in gravel, why not use weed control torch, available to order at Walmart.? In my experience, burning weeds with deep taproots will not stop them from re-growing, but burning again may help in the long run.

Drew Swainston

Drew qualified as a journalist and wrote for many websites and publications before qualifying as a horticulturist. For several years he worked as a professional gardener, specializing in vegetable gardens. Now he brings his experience and passion to Homes and gardens as a member of our team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are weeds good for pollinators?

Yes, there are many of them flowering weeds for pollinators this is useful if you want to increase biodiversity in your yard. Dandelions and clover are known to be popular with butterflies and bees, so leaving a small wild area in your yard is a good idea. Why not let the plants grow and self-seed at the end of the yard?

If you are concerned about weeds, bare soil should be avoided. This is just an opportunity for the weed seeds to germinate and dominate. My advice: Fill your borders and beds. ground cover plants for weed controlfor example monkey grass or Japanese spurge, or for a native version, why not learn how to grow wild ginger? These plants, once established, will crowd out any opportunistic weeds.