Hey everyone! I'm not really a gardener, and I've got this weedy little plot that used to be a garden. I'm wondering if I need to completely dig out all the dirt and replace it, or if there's a weed killer I can use instead and just add some grass or simple plants. I'm dealing with a bad back and knees, and funds are tight since it's a shared space. I'm in the UK, so any brand recommendations that might work here would be awesome. Thanks so much for your help!
4 Answers
If you can wrangle some help, it might be best to take out the top layer of soil and toss it. Then, fill it back up with compost or quality topsoil, which will get your patch set for this season. If you're looking for a DIY solution, a no-dig approach could work too. Just lay down some cardboard (make sure it’s the plain stuff) and cover it with bark. I’ve used landscaping supplies from Wickes, and they deliver pretty cheap. It might take a bit longer, but this method gradually improves your soil quality. Plus, mulching with bark is excellent for keeping the weeds down later on!
Thanks for your ideas! I’ll think it over. Appreciate the tips!
Honestly, you can just leave the current soil as is and put mulch on top. If cardboard is tough to find, just stick with a thin layer of mulch or bark - it works well to block weeds. Many people have successfully used newspaper as a barrier, too. I've had to switch to cardboard lately because my garden is overrun with weeds, but it can be effective!
Look, if you're worried about heavy lifting, start simple. Just break up the existing soil a bit and plant some grass seeds or some flowers right into it. It takes a little cleanup, but it’s easier on the back and wallet. But if you're looking for a quick fix without heavy lifting, maybe that mulch route will suit you better!
After weighing all options, I see some of these ideas as a bit crazy. You really don’t have to replace everything—just use what’s there, and it’ll work just fine! Keep things simple: dig over the space a bit, let it breathe, and then plant some grass or shrubs without too much fuss. You’ve got this!
I get it! It's tough with mobility issues, and I wouldn’t push anyone too hard. Just make sure you choose a method that suits your energy levels. Sometimes a little help can go a long way!
We started doing a no-dig method with cardboard in our garden. A local shop gave us some fridge boxes for free; we just had to cut them and wet them down a bit. It’s been great! Layers like that combined with bark really help with weeds, but I understand it’s a bit different if you have mobility issues.