A viral newspaper weed removal hack has been doing the rounds, so we asked garden experts if it works. If unwanted dandelions and crabgrass are rapidly invading your lawn, try laying down your Sunday paper and covering it with a layer of soil.
Investing in some of the best weed killers will help keep things as neat as an English country garden. But before you head to check out, try this eco-friendly trick to banish them for good.
Newspaper weed removal hack
The newspaper weed removal hack involves placing layers of damp newspaper over any area of your yard with weeds and covering it with some soil. This starves the weeds of any light or nutrients, without using any chemicals.
The newspaper will gradually decompose, essentially creating a brand new layer of soil. 'There’s little more painful than picking out weeds that have come through your decking for hours, only for them to return within a few weeks,' says Evie Lane, Gardening Expert at Primrose.
'Adding a layer of damp newspaper on top of your soil acts as a weed suppressant and prevents seeds from germinating in the soil, or taking root above the soil,' Evie adds. She explains that another benefit of using damp newspaper is that it acts as a mulch during winter months.
The damp newspaper will help to retain moisture within the soil over the colder months, keeping the soil loose and preventing it from drying out too quickly. If your lawn is being overrun with weeds right now, this garden idea is worth trying, particularly if you'd rather avoid nasty pesticides.
Weeds are only plants in the wrong place, and nowadays gardening lovers are increasingly letting areas of their yards grow wild and welcoming in wildlife.
Join our newsletter
Get the best home decor ideas, DIY advice and project inspiration straight to your inbox!
But it's always a bonus to have a patch of lawn for kids to kick a football around or for inviting guests over for barbecues. The best lawn mowers will help you to keep your lawn looking its best.
How long do you leave the newspaper down?
Place the newspaper over the affected area, cover it with a layer of soil and leave it to decompose. You don't need to remove it. You could add grass seed down to help get the patch of grass looking back to normal more quickly.
If you don't have any spare newspapers to hand, you could also try laying down cardboard from old boxes and cartons before layering the soil on top. Will you be trying this newspaper weed removal hack?
Millie joined Real Homes in early 2021 as a homes news writer. When she isn't writing about trends, makeovers and houseplant care, she spends her free time making tweaks to her rented flat in North London. Her next project is a very basic armchair reupholstering job to help create a cosy reading nook in her living room. She loves browsing antique centres, tending to her small front garden, and is never without some fresh flowers at home.
-
The 7 flowers to plant in August, according to gardening gurus
New month, new gardening jobs — we’ve listed the expert-approved flowers to plant in August and for each gardening zone
By Becks Shepherd Published
-
The 7 plants to prune in August — and the 2 pieces of greenery you shouldn't touch
According to a horticultural expert, these are the plants to prune in August to help your garden thrive
By Becks Shepherd Published
-
Do you need to deadhead azaleas? Top tips for pruning these flowering shrubs
To deadhead azaleas or not to deadhead azaleas? Our expert reveals everything you need to know
By Becks Shepherd Published
-
10 houseplants that are not toxic to cats — plus expert advice on keeping your pets safe
By choosing houseplants that are not toxic to cats you can create a healthier environment for your feline friends
By Holly Crossley Published
-
Which houseplants are toxic to dogs? Vet experts pinpoint problem plants and solutions
Proceed cautiously and learn which houseplants are toxic to dogs before mixing plant and pet babies
By Danielle Valente Published
-
How to attract hummingbirds to your backyard, according to ornithologists
Pros reveal how to attract hummingbirds to your backyard for a magical springtime visit
By Danielle Valente Published
-
Does hydrangea bloom every year? Pros spill the dirt on the "garden favorite" and when to expect it
You love the gorgeous floral, but does hydrangea bloom every year? Take notes, gardeners
By Danielle Valente Published
-
What to prune in spring — experts reveal how to get a lush, full garden
Gardening experts real what you'll need to to prune in spring to bring big blooms and abundant greenery later
By Danielle Valente Published