Pulling weeds is probably one of the most unpopular activities in the garden - no wonder, as crouching on the ground and pulling up individual pieces is quite tedious. Fighting annoying weeds can be quite tedious, especially in the rock garden, as not all areas are easy to reach. However, with our tips you will definitely find this work easier.
How can I successfully combat weeds in the rock garden?
To effectively combat weeds in the rock garden, you should use weed fleece when planting, mulch intensively, carry out plant inspections and remove weeds promptly. Stepping stones help to reach planting areas more easily without damaging the planting.
Saves a lot of work later: prevent weeds when creating the rock garden
Experience has shown that unwanted weeds proliferate, especially in the first few years after a new garden has been planted. Due to the intensive cultivation of the soil, plant seeds that were previously dormant come to the surface of the earth and can now finally sprout. In addition, there are often weeds on the tufts of leaves or the remains of soil attached to the roots, which you got for free from the perennial nursery or from a friendly neighbor. That's why you defend against the beginnings by
- leave the freshly worked floor area fallow for now
- and wait for the weeds to germinate and sprout.
- Remove these intensively: Even the smallest root residues must be removed.
- You can pour boiling water over the weeds and then remove them.
- Take a close look at newly purchased plants before planting them
- and remove any attached weeds if necessary.
- A weed fleece should also be laid under the rock garden soil
- and the surface of the earth mulched with pebbles, stones, etc.
- Even large cushion plants spread quickly and crowd out weeds.
Effectively combat various types of weeds
Basically, the gardener distinguishes between two types of weeds, which should be combated with different priorities.
Seed weeds
Many flowering plants are seed weeds that reproduce primarily through their seeds. In order to contain the spread, you must remove these weeds before they bloom - once the seeds have formed, it is already too late. Seed weeds develop particularly well in open areas, which is why intensive mulching with rock chippings can stop their spread a little.
Root weeds
Root weeds, which primarily include many grasses, are often much more difficult to combat. The dreaded gourd also belongs to this group. Many of these plants develop deep and long root systems underground that are difficult to remove. In addition, even the smallest remaining pieces of roots sprout new plants. In stubborn cases, only herbicides (preferably biologically based) can help, but these are not applied to the weeds over a wide area but rather directly to the weeds.
Tip
When creating the rock garden, think about laying stepping stones etc. These should be positioned so that you can easily get anywhere without having to step directly on the planting.
