Digging is probably one of the most effective measures in the fight against annoying weeds. However, this topic is controversial among hobby gardeners and experts because you can do a lot of things wrong when digging. You can find out how to proceed sensibly and when the right time is in the following article.
How do I remove weeds by digging in the garden?
To effectively remove weeds in the garden, you should systematically dig up in the fall. Use a spade or spading fork to loosen the soil, bury weeds and incorporate garden waste as fertilizer. In the spring, lightly loosen again with a digging fork and remove any remaining weeds.
Tool list
Since digging is quite strenuous work, you should make sure you have good tools:
- The spade you use (€29.00 on Amazon) should have a handle that is comfortable for you, a handle length that is tailored to your height and a sharp blade.
- Alternatively, you can use a spading fork. This is suitable for hard, stony soils as it penetrates the soil more easily.
- A rake to finally smooth the earth.
- Wear gloves to prevent blisters.
- Sturdy shoes are mandatory, otherwise the edge of the spade will press through the sole of the shoe.
How do you dig?
Apply this work systematically. You can then use removed weeds as fertilizer:
- First dig a trench into the bed with the spade.
- Then dig up the soil below the furrow and throw it into the hollow.
- Turn the spade so that the weeds land at the bottom and are completely covered by soil.
- Select out root weeds, as they would also sprout from small root residues.
- You can also add garden waste or humus into the furrows. Covered with soil, they rot and form valuable fertilizer.
After digging, collect any green that is still visible and smooth the soil with the rake.
How deep should you dig?
Usually it is enough to stick the spade halfway into the ground. If the soil is very compacted, you should dig to the depth of a spade.
Digging with a spade twice as deep is recommended for heavily weeded beds. Any remaining turf and weeds get deep into the soil, rot and can no longer grow back.
When is the best time to dig?
You should preferably do this work in the fall. During the winter, soil organisms can become active and transform the buried greenery into valuable humus.
Tip
If you dug in the fall, it is enough to carefully loosen the soil with a digging fork in the spring. If you use this opportunity to discover any remaining root weeds, read them carefully again. This will keep the annoying weeding work to a minimum in the coming garden season.
