From Abc · · 1m 50s
Spring weeds: how to stop them before they spread
As spring arrives in the southern hemisphere, weeds flourish alongside flowers. Experts explain how to control them in your garden and prevent them escaping into the wild.
In brief
As spring arrives in the southern hemisphere, weeds flourish alongside flowers. Experts explain how to control them in your garden and prevent them escaping into the wild. Spring is peak season for weeds in gardens. Experts recommend non-chemical methods like covering soil or using heat, and warn that garden weeds can…
Spring brings flowers and weeds
As the southern hemisphere turns to face the sun, spring is peak season for colourful wildflowers, exotic annuals and native shrubs. It is also prime time for weeds.
Common garden weeds cause different problems
Dandelion, capeweed and bindii are among unwelcome weeds that colonise lawns and garden beds. Some are environmental problems; others like bindii are painful to step on.
What weeds reveal about soil
Rob Pelletier from Heritage Fruit Trees says certain weeds favour particular conditions, but they are not a reliable soil test. Better to create good growing conditions for wanted plants and avoid bare soil.
“Certain weeds favour particular conditions, but they are not a reliable soil test and they are not necessarily 'repairing' the soil.”
Two non-chemical control methods
Occultation covers weeds with opaque objects like tarpaulins to block light and stop photosynthesis. Solarisation uses sunlight and clear plastic to heat moist soil, cooking weeds and their seeds.
Garden weeds escape and damage nature
Gazania, introduced from South Africa as an ornamental flower, became an invasive weed. Environmental scientist Kate Blood says gazanias crowd out indigenous plants in native grasslands and spread into farmland.
“In native grasslands and woodlands, gazanias crowd out indigenous plants that provide essential habitat for wildlife.”
How weeds reach gardens and beyond
Weed seeds arrive in bird droppings, on wind, in water, on clothing, animals or vehicles. Once established, invasive garden plants escape into bushland, waterways and native grasslands.
“What you plant in your garden can have a profound and lasting impact on nature around you, even if you live in a large town or city.”
Three steps to prevent weed spread
Kate Blood, Weed Society of Victoria president, advises replacing invasive plants with safer alternatives, selecting plants carefully before buying, and disposing of garden waste responsibly to prevent spread.
“A beautiful garden shouldn't come at the expense of the natural environment around it.”
At a glance
Spring is peak season for weeds in gardens. Experts recommend non-chemical methods like covering soil or using heat, and warn that garden weeds can escape and damage native ecosystems.
