Are you having a hard time telling your garden apart from all the other things growing in your yard?
If so, you need to know how to clear a garden full of weeds.
It might seem impossible at first, especially if they are growing out of every nook and cranny.
However, with the right approach — and a lot of patience — you can still save your plants from them.
We did some of the legwork for you by outlining all the steps that you need to take.
However, let us first discuss why you should get rid of these stubborn weeds.
Why Weeds Are Bad for Your Garden
There are many ways that weeds can derail your plans for your garden.
For one, it can suck most of the nutrients from the soil, virtually cutting off your plants’ food supply.
Without enough nitrogen, potassium, and other nutrients, your vegetables will not grow properly.
They will die off over time, leaving you with a yard full of nothing but wild weeds.
Another way that they can impact your garden negatively is by taking up much valuable space.
Plants need ample space to develop fully, aside from access to enough nutrients and water.
They will not get it if weeds are crowding them.
While they would not likely die off because of this, they will not develop fully.
The next item on the “cons” list of weeds is that they act like parasites, feeding on your plants.
There are weed varieties that latch onto the roots of a healthy plant, killing it gradually.
On top of all these, weeds can attract insects by giving them plenty of cover and protection.
If left unchecked, they will create a breeding ground for pests that could cause more damage to your garden.
Most weeds carry and spread diseases themselves, and it would be very difficult to have a lush, green garden with them growing freely.
Given all these compelling arguments against weeds, you would be justified in your plan to get rid of them.
How to Clear a Garden Full of Weeds
At this point, it is very clear why weeds are not good for your plants and your garden.
It is now time to move on to the next order of business, which is how to free your yard from them.
1. Pull the Weeds Out Manually
The first method of removing weeds is among the simplest, but it is far from easy.
You could try pulling them out of the soil manually.
On the one hand, you would not need any tools, so you can start doing it right away.
Even better, you do not have to spend any money to get the right equipment.
However, this would take a lot of effort, so you need to make sure that you are up for the task.
In addition, pulling weeds out might sound straightforward, but there is a right way of doing it.
If you do not know it yet, we’ve got you covered with this simple tip.
You need to make sure that you grab the weeds by the stem as close to the ground as possible.
Doing this gives you a higher chance of pulling the roots out too, so they do not grow back after some time.
2. Using Hand Tools
If your garden has been taken over by weeds, pulling them out by hand might not be the right approach.
It would require you to put in a ridiculous amount of work, and the whole thing would take so much time.
One way to make things a bit easier is by investing in a weeding tool.
Most of these tools are quite affordable, so you do not have to worry about your budget.
That said, they are very effective at what they do.
A hoe, for example, allows you to cover a broader area in a shorter amount of time.
Even better, you would not have to bend over as much to get the job done.
If you want something with a little more finesse, you can try a puller claw.
This instrument can help you dig around the roots with more precision so the weeds do not grow back.
A spade, on the other hand, allows you to turn the soil over, killing the weeds and aerating the earth at the same time.
You can even double dig to expose more fresh soil.
However, note that this process requires a lot of elbow grease, so you might want to consider outsourcing it to a pro.
3. Mulching
Another good way to get rid of weeds is to use mulch.
Mulching is the process of spreading garden materials to provide protective cover to your plants.
Aside from controlling the growth of weeds, it can help maintain an even temperature, reduce erosion, and enrich the soil.
What makes this approach so effective is that it helps your garden on all fronts.
It can get rid of the weeds and lay the groundwork for your plants to flourish.
It will be easier for them to grow moving forward because they have access to more nutrients and less competition.
You can buy a wide variety of mulches from a nearby garden store or get them from a private seller.
In some cases, you can get it for free from people who have an excess supply.
The most common options are chopped leaves, straw, wood chips, pine needles, and paper.
You can even use the grass clippings that you get from mowing your lawn.
Just take your pick, depending on your preference or budget.
4. Use a Weed Killer
If your garden is badly overgrown, it might be a better idea to start over and get a clean slate.
In other words, you have given up, and you simply want to clear your garden — weeds and all.
One of the best options if you want to take this route is to use a weed killer.
This substance is fast and effective but toxic.
So while it may help you get rid of all the weeds, you can count all your plants as collateral damage.
What is more, you won’t be able to grow anything in your garden for some time.
In other words, you need to think long and hard before you use this method.
5. Use Organic Herbicides
An excellent alternative to the weed killer is an organic herbicide.
This substance is lower in toxins, and it breaks down more readily.
That is why it does not leave a lasting impact on the soil in your garden.
However, note that organic herbicides do not distinguish between weeds and other plants.
So you should only use this method if you want to clear your garden or lawn.
6. Use a Weed Burner
If your weed problem is too much that you’re willing to go to great lengths to fix it, consider a weed burner.
It is an electric gardening tool that applies extreme heat to precise areas, destroying all the leaves within it.
Without the leaves, the weeds won’t be able to perform photosynthesis and will die out soon after.
One thing that you have to keep in mind if you use this method is that it is a bit of a fire hazard.
You have to be very careful as you use this tool in your garden.
Better yet, you can hire a professional to do the job for you.
Take Your Garden Back
If you want to take back control of your yard, you need to know how to clear a garden full of weeds.
There are a number of ways for you to do it, ranging from the conservative to the most extreme.
You can take your pick based on how bad your weed problem is.
Just make sure that you prioritize your safety as you carry out your chosen method.