If you've been struggling with weeds, there's a simple way to beat them08:34, 05 Jul 2026Weeds flourish in the UK where mild temperatures and regular rainfall provide ideal conditions for growth and seed germination. Common types, such as dandelions, daisies, bindweed and ground elder, are easy to recognise due to their distinctive foliage and blooms, but this also means they're hard to overlook.‌For those who avoid chemical weed killers, alternatives like white vinegar, baking soda, salt and boiling water are often suggested for the job, though they do little to address some of the more demanding elements of weed control, such as pulling and spraying. One gardening specialist has proposed a hands-free approach to weeds called "sheet mulching."‌While professional landscapers have used this method for numerous years, it remains a "revelation" for the average home gardener seeking to maintain beds and borders.‌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 method is simple: lay a flattened cardboard box over patches of weeds and cover with garden mulch. According to the gardening specialist, this works by "smothering the undergrowth" while simultaneously enriching the soil with carbon, reports the Express.It's a worthwhile choice for gardeners who prefer a no-dig solution to unwanted growth, and one that many have already employed to great effect. A keen gardener shared on the Charles Dowding forum that they found cardboard to be an "amazing" solution for keeping all types of garden weeds at bay.‌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 get rid of weeds with cardboardThere's no need to clear existing weeds before placing cardboard over them. In fact, many Charles Dowding forum members maintain that removing them simply promotes additional weed growth.Instead, they suggest cutting them back and, if desired, allowing the top layers to flatten them naturally.Particular types of cardboard work best in gardens, and enthusiasts should opt for the plain brown variety.‌Choose sheets with little to no ink and avoid glossy materials, which might contain plastic film or wax. The same goes for pieces with tape attached, which is why pizza boxes are generally considered the safest choice.Elizabeth suggests layering flattened boxes for optimal weed suppression. Spraying them down with water is also recommended to help the cardboard conform to the ground and stay securely in position.Article continues belowIf you're planning to plant directly over the cardboard layer, you'll need to add a layer of compost and planting soil on top. Then simply spread your preferred mulch — be it wood chips, pine straw, or other organic materials — directly onto the cardboard.