Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a newbie, knowing how to get rid of weeds in flower beds is essential for a beautiful and healthy garden. From manual removal and mulching to correct chemical or natural weed control methods, we cover all the strategies you need to prevent weeds long-term.
5 ways to eliminate weeds in flower beds
Weeds compete with your flowers for vital nutrients, water, and sunlight. They absorb water meant for your plants, and tall weeds can overshadow your flowers, depriving them of sunlight necessary for photosynthesis. By removing weeds, you can maintain a thriving and attractive garden.
The first step is to identify the weeds so you know what you;re dealing with:
- Annual weeds: Complete their life cycle in one year (crabgrass, chickweed, purslane, pigweed, foxtail, hairy bittercress, knotweed).
- Biennial weeds: Complete their life cycle in two years (bull thistle, wild carrot, tall lettuce, prickly lettuce, wild parsnip).
- Perennial weeds: Live for several years and can regrow from roots (dandelion, bindweed, creeping Charlie, Canada thistle, yellow nutsedge).
No matter what elimination method you choose, always wear protective gear: eye protection, gloves, and long-sleeved clothing (if applicable).
1. Remove weeds by hand
Manual removal is the safest and most environmentally friendly way to get rid of weeds from your yard.
Tools needed to remove weeds by hand:
- Weeding tool or hand trowel (to loosen the soil)
- Pruning shears (to cut stubborn, large weeds)
- Bucket, wheelbarrow, or another container (to collect the weeds)
- Disposal bag (to dispose of the pulled weeds)
How to remove weeds by hand:
- Water the area. Weeds are easier to remove from moist soil.
- Wear gloves and grip the base of the weeds, pulling upward. Make sure you get the entire root system. For larger weeds, use a weeding tool or hand trowel to loosen the soil around the roots before pulling.
- Load the debris into a wheelbarrow or garden bag and dispose of it responsibly. Check municipal yard waste collection services or drop off the waste yourself at designated sites.
Results: Immediate
2. Mulch your flower bed
Adding mulch to your flower beds can suppress new weed growth by blocking light and retaining moisture.
Tools needed to remove weeds by mulching:
- Shovel (to move mulch from a pile or bag to the flower beds)
- Rake (to spread the mulch evenly over the flower beds)
- Wheelbarrow, garden cart, or bucket (to transport the mulch from the delivery site or storage area to the flower beds)
- Measuring tape (to measure mulch depth)
How to remove weeds by mulching:
- Clear the flower bed of any existing weeds.
- Spread a 2-to 3-inch layer of mulch, such as wood chips, straw, or compost, over the soil. To prevent rot, keep the mulch a few inches away from flower stems.
- Mulch decomposes over time, so replenish it as needed.
- If any weeds pop through, remove them immediately.
Results: Immediate (prevents new weeds) to long-term (alters the soil to remove conditions needed for new weed growth).
3. Smother the weeds with sheet mulching
Lasagna gardening, also called sheet mulching, involves layering organic materials directly onto the soil. This method is best if you are just starting a flower bed and don’t have existing plants. It can kill established weeds or prevent new ones, but its effectiveness depends on its depth and type of organic materials you use.
If your flower bed has a few flowers, temporarily relocate them until you treat the area. Once you’re done with weed control, replant and maintain them.
Tools needed to remove weeds using sheet mulching:
- Shovel (to dig and move soil and flowers if needed)
- Rake (to level organic materials after application)
- Pruning shears (to cut stubborn, large weeds)
- Wheelbarrow or garden cart (to transport organic materials and cardboard or newspaper)
- Watering can or hose (to moisten cardboard or newspaper)
- Scissors or utility knife (to cut cardboard or newspaper)
- Cardboard or newspaper
- Organic materials (grass clipping, leaves, etc.)
How to remove weeds using sheet mulching:
- Start in early spring before weeds germinate. Trim down large weeds and remove any debris from the area.
- Lay a layer of cardboard or thick newspaper directly on the soil surface. Make sure it covers the entire weed area.
- Lightly moisten the cardboard or newspaper to help it conform to the soil and stay in place.
- Add layers of organic materials on the cardboard or newspaper. Alternate between nitrogen-rich materials (grass clippings, vegetable and fruit scraps, plant trimmings, manure, flower cuttings) and carbon-rich materials (shredded leaves, straw, wood chips, sawdust, pine needles, peat moss) until you achieve a bed about 2 to 3 feet high.
- Cardboard or newspaper thickness: 3 to 4 inches
- Carbon-rich material thickness: 4 to 5 inches
- Nitrogen-rich material thickness: 1 to 2 inches
- Inspect the area for weeds periodically. Remove any weeds by hand that penetrate the layers as soon as you spot them to prevent establishment.
Results: It takes about six months to completely eliminate all weeds, as long as you regularly replenish the mulch layers.
Note: Cornell Cooperative Extension recommends checking the compost pile regularly. “Sheet mulching is complete when the layers are indistinguishable, and the material has a fresh, sweet aroma. Once cured, the area is ready for planting and is weed-free.”
4. Use chemical weed control
Herbicides can be effective, but you should use them cautiously to avoid harming your flowers and the environment.
To tackle the weeds in your flower beds, use a selective systemic post-emergent herbicide that won’t harm your flowers. Systemic herbicides are taken up by the weed and transported throughout its tissues. They cause uncontrolled plant growth, stem twisting, leaf cupping, and eventually death. Always spot-treat flower beds to protect the flowers as much as possible.
For best results, select a herbicide that contains any of the following:
- 2,4-D
- Dicamba
- MCPA
- Fluroxypyr
Also consider that weeds appear according to the season; some thrive in the warmer months, while others appear when temperatures drop significantly.
Common fall and winter weeds:
Daniel Cahen | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY 4.0
- Bluegrass (poa annua)
- Prickly lettuce
- Mouse-ear chickweed
- Hairy bittercress
- Deadnettle
- Henbit
- Tansy mustard
- Shepherd’s-purse
Common spring and summer weeds:
NY State IPM Program at Cornell University from New York | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY 2.0
Tools needed to remove weeds using chemical weed control:
- Granular or liquid herbicide
- Sprayer (for liquid herbicide)
- Spreader (for granular herbicide); use a handheld spreader for smaller flower beds and a broadcast spreader for larger flower beds
- Measuring tools (to measure needed amounts of liquid herbicide and water)
- Hose or sprinklers (to water the area after application)
How to remove weeds using chemical weed control:
- Remove or cut large weeds manually if possible.
- For liquid herbicide, measure and mix the solution according to the label instructions. Fill the sprayer and cover the foliage thoroughly without oversaturating it.
- For granular herbicide, measure the proper amount of herbicide using a measuring cup. Apply the granules evenly across the flower bed(s) using a handheld spreader or broadcast spreader.
- If the herbicide needs to be activated by water, lightly water the area according to the product instructions.
Results: One to three weeks after application, depending on the herbicide, weed species, and growth stage.
5. Use natural weed control
If you don’t want to rely on chemical weed control, the natural route is an alternative. Here are some approaches you can consider:
Boiling water
One of the simplest ways to kill weeds on contact is using boiling water. It’s also chemical-free, eco-friendly, and safe to use around desirable plants.
Tools needed to remove weeds using boiling water:
- Heat source (to boil the water)
- Kettle or pot (to boil the water)
- Watering can or jug (to pour the water onto the weeds)
How to remove weeds using boiling water:
- Pour boiling water directly over the weeds to eliminate them.
- Avoid splashing nearby plants, as boiling water can damage them, too.
Results: Immediate, but it only kills the parts it touches (generally the foliage).
Vinegar
Vinegar works as a contact, non-selective herbicide, killing the parts of the plant it directly touches (this includes flowers or other desirable plants nearby). It works best on young weeds with tender foliage and shallow roots.
Tools needed to remove weeds using vinegar:
- Sprayer (to spray the weeds)
- Measuring tools (to measure exact amounts for mixing)
- Vinegar
- Cardboard (to protect flowers)
How to remove weeds using vinegar:
- Pour household vinegar (5% acetic acid concentration) into a spray bottle to ensure even coverage, and spray the weeds on a wind- and rain-free day. Another option is to add one tablespoon of dish soap to the vinegar.
- Use a piece of cardboard as you spray for an extra layer of protection for your flowers. Monitor the areas you treated and reapply as needed.
Results: 24 hours or longer. Repeat applications may be required.
Baking soda
Compared to synthetic herbicides, baking soda is considered more environmentally safe. However, it’s a non-selective weed killer, so it can also harm your flowers. Use it sparingly.
Tools needed to remove weeds using baking soda:
- Watering can or hose (to moisten the weeds for the baking soda application)
- Sprayer (for the wet application)
- Measuring tools (to measure water and baking soda for wet application)
- Baking soda
How to remove weeds using baking soda:
- Apply it on a sunny day when weeds are actively growing. The sun’s heat helps enhance the herbicidal effect of baking soda by speeding up dehydration.
- Wet the weeds to help the baking soda cling to them.
- Dust the leaves with baking soda, and cover them evenly without overdoing it. For stubborn weeds, you may need to apply the baking soda multiple times.
- Keep an eye on treated areas and reapply as necessary.
- For a “wet” application, mix 1 gallon of water with 1 cup of baking soda and apply the mixture to the weeds with a sprayer.
Results: A few days
Solarization
For an effective, non-chemical way to control weeds in your flower beds, try solarization. This method uses solar energy to heat the soil and kill weeds that grow in spring and summer. Use this method to prepare your flower beds for planting or when you have a limited number of flowers. To avoid harming them, remove them temporarily and transplant them to pots or another area in your garden.
Tools needed to remove weeds using solarization:
- Clear plastic sheeting (to smother the weeds)
- Rocks or bricks (to keep the sheeting in place)
- Shovel or spade (to remove debris and even the soil)
- Watering can or hose (to water the soil lightly before spreading the sheeting)
How to remove weeds using solarization:
- Remove any debris from your flower beds and level the soil for a smooth surface.
- Water the soil to 12 inches deep to conduct heat better. If unsure, measure the moisture before starting.
- Spread clear plastic sheeting over the moist soil and secure the edges with rocks or bricks. The plastic should have close contact with the soil to prevent heat loss.
- Regularly check the sheeting for tears or holes and repair them to maintain heat. Once you remove the sheeting, allow the soil to cool for a few days before planting or replanting flowers.
Results: 6 to 8 weeks
FAQ about how to get rid of weeds in flower beds
How can I prevent weeds in my flower beds?
Regular maintenance is the best way to keep your flower beds weed-free. Don’t skip the following steps:
- Check your flower beds weekly for new weeds (during the time you know they germinate).
- Remove weeds as soon as you spot them to prevent seeding.
- Space your flowers out properly. Overcrowded plants can stress your garden and create ideal conditions for weeds.
- Keep your mulch layer fresh and replenish it as needed.
- Avoid disturbing the soil. Weed seeds are often buried deep in the soil; disturbing them will bring them to the surface, where they can access light and air.
- Use landscape fabric as a barrier to stop weed seeds from germinating and sprouting. This also blocks sunlight from penetrating through, which is essential for weed seed germination.
What should I do if weeds keep returning despite my efforts?
Getting rid of weeds can be challenging and time-consuming. If they continue to grow, reassess your weed control methods, ensure complete root removal, and consider combining multiple strategies for better results.
Is it safe to use salt to kill weeds in flower beds?
Salt can kill weeds but harm soil health and surrounding plants, so use it sparingly and cautiously. Once enough salt builds up in the soil, plants can’t absorb water and nutrients properly. This can prevent growth or kill them. Likewise, excess salt can contaminate nearby bodies of water, disrupt ecosystems, kill beneficial microorganisms, and increase soil pH.
How do I identify different types of weeds in my flower beds?
Use a weed identification guide or app to help recognize various weed species based on their leaves, flowers, and growth habits.
Guides: Weed ID guides made available by extension offices or books
Apps: PlantSnap, iNaturalist, PlantNet, PictureThis
You can also ask an expert or customer service at your local gardening center or nursery.
A pro can keep your flower beds weed-free
Tackling weeds in your flower beds doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following our tips on weed control, you can keep your garden looking pristine and healthy.
Still, you may not have the time or inclination for yard care. In that case, a local Lawn Love professional can handle it for you without the hassle.
Main Image Credit: Maksim Kostenko | Adobe Stock | License
