Weeds are a constant problem in the garden, but one expert has suggested a hands-free defence against weeds is a 'revelation' for the gardeners08:24, 02 Jun 2026Weeds run rampant during summer, when warm temperatures and rainfall create the perfect conditions for growth and seed germination. Familiar weeds such as dandelions, daisies, bindweed and ground elder are straightforward to identify thanks to their distinctive leaves and flowers, but this also means they're virtually impossible to overlook.‌For those who steer clear of chemical weed killers, white vinegar, baking soda, salt and hot water are frequently suggested as natural remedies, though they don't tackle some of the trickier aspects of weed removal such as pulling and spraying.‌A gardening expert has put forward a hands-free solution to weeds known as "sheet mulching." While professional landscapers have been using this technique for years, it's a "revelation" for the typical home gardener looking to keep their beds and borders in check.‌Elizabeth Florio of Garden & Gun said: "It turns out the cardboard that passes through households in abundance is a low-fuss, good-for-the-soil, sustainable-many-times-over weed barrier."The technique couldn't be simpler: place a flattened cardboard box over clusters of weeds and cover with garden mulch, reports the Express.According to the gardening expert, this works by "smothering the undergrowth" while simultaneously enriching the soil with carbon.‌It's a worthwhile choice for gardeners who favour a no-dig approach to unwanted growth, and one that many people have already put to great effect.A gardening enthusiast posted on the Charles Dowding forum that they discovered cardboard to be an "amazing" solution for suppressing all types of garden weeds.‌The forum member said: "Under hedges I put cardboard with wood chip on top, nothing through at all."We also had a weed-ridden border which I put cardboard first, then planted heather into holes cut in it, then put peat compost all over as mulch and it is doing well, heather alive and had to pull about two weeds in two months."‌How to eliminate weeds with cardboardThere's no requirement to remove existing weeds before placing cardboard on top. In fact, numerous Charles Dowding forum members suggest that doing so simply encourages more weeds to sprout.Instead, they advise cutting them down and, if desired, allowing the top layers to flatten them. Particular types of cardboard work best in the garden, and gardeners should choose the plain brown variety.Select sheets with minimal ink and steer clear of glossy materials, which can contain plastic film or wax. The same applies to cut-offs with tape on them, which is why pizza boxes are typically the safest option.Article continues belowElizabeth recommends layering flattened boxes for maximum protection against weeds. Spraying them down with water is also advised to ensure the cardboard moulds to the ground and remains in place.If you're adding new plants on top of the cardboard layer, you'll require a layer of compost and planting soil. Simply spread your mulch - whether it's wood chips, pine straw, or other organic materials - straight onto the cardboard.