Garden weeds will be gone if you use household item you’d normally throw away

Weeds can be a real nuisance in the garden, but the simple household item can get rid of them

Weeds can be frustrating, particularly as they appear to spring up constantly. They’ll flourish practically anywhere there’s room, such as in paving gaps, amongst flower beds and even across the lawn.

There are numerous methods to control them, including applying boiling water, white vinegar and baking soda. However, a gardening expert has suggested an alternative trick – using spare cardboard boxes to prevent weeds from growing.

According to the professional, the technique also helps to enrich the soil, making it an ideal answer for those battling with weeds.

Chris Bonnett, horticulturalist and founder of GardeningExpress, said: “Using leftover cardboard is an eco-friendly method that allows you to recycle old boxes while helping the soil as the cardboard naturally decomposes.

“Laying cardboard over problematic areas helps suppress weeds by blocking out sunlight, which is crucial for them to grow”, reports the Express.

If you have a troublesome spot outdoors, simply cut a section of cardboard to match the area and strip away any plastic tape or labels, as these won’t break down naturally.

Then, place the cardboard flat on the surface, making sure it fully covers the problem zone and is firmly pressed down to avoid any openings.

The expert said: “If smaller pieces of cardboard are all that are at hand, overlap them by around 15cm to stop weeds creeping through the edges to reach the sunlight.”

Once the cardboard is positioned, cover it with a layer of mulch or compost.

This keeps the cardboard in place, enhances its appearance, and helps the soil retain moisture.

According to the expert, this will enable the cardboard to decompose naturally within your garden.

The cardboard should then remain in position to keep weeds at bay while it gradually breaks down and introduces organic matter into the soil.

Chris advocated this approach over reaching for chemical solutions, warning that they can cause “problems” for the remainder of the garden.

He added: “After a few months, the cardboard will begin to decompose, benefiting the soil as brown matter, helping to create a healthier growing environment for the rest of your plants.”