The Lazy Gardener’s Guide to Weed Control

Let’s face it: weeding is one of the least glamorous parts of gardening. If you’re like me, you want a lush, thriving garden without spending hours hunched over, yanking out stubborn weeds. Good news: there are plenty of low-effort ways to keep those pesky plants at bay. Here’s the ultimate lazy gardener’s guide to weed control, so you can spend more time enjoying your garden and less time battling intruders.

Embrace the Power of Mulch

If there’s one hack that should be in every lazy gardener’s arsenal, it’s mulch. A thick layer of mulch does wonders to suppress weeds by blocking sunlight, which weeds need to grow.

Choose from organic options like bark chips, straw, or even grass clippings. Bonus: as organic mulch breaks down, it enriches your soil. Want a more polished look? Go for decorative stones or rubber mulch, which also get the job done without the maintenance.

Lazy Tip:

Spread mulch at least 2–3 inches thick to make it as weed-proof as possible. And don’t skimp around the edges of your plants!

Let Ground Covers Do the Work

Why fight weeds when you can outsmart them? Ground cover plants like creeping thyme, clover, or vinca minor are fantastic at crowding out weeds. They form a dense mat that makes it nearly impossible for weeds to sprout.

Not only do ground covers keep your garden low-maintenance, but they also add a lush, carpet-like aesthetic.

Lazy Tip:

Pick fast-growing ground covers that thrive in your climate for quicker results.

Go No-Dig (Seriously!)

Digging up weeds often stirs up dormant weed seeds, giving them a chance to sprout. Instead, try the no-dig method: lay down a thick layer of cardboard or newspaper over the weedy area, then cover it with mulch or compost.

This smothers existing weeds while preventing new ones from growing. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to recycle!

Lazy Tip:

Soak the cardboard or newspaper first—it makes it easier to work with and helps it decompose faster.

Use the Right Tools

Invest in a good weeding tool that makes pulling weeds less of a chore. A long-handled hoe or a weeder with a claw mechanism can save your back and your time.

Better yet, go for tools that help you remove weeds at the root. Leaving even a tiny piece behind can result in regrowth, and who has the patience for that?

Lazy Tip:

Weed after a rainstorm or watering session. Soft, damp soil makes it way easier to pull them out.

Harness the Sun (with Solarization)

If you have a large weedy area and no time to deal with it, solarization is your best friend. Simply cover the area with clear plastic sheeting, securing the edges with rocks or stakes.

Over a few weeks, the sun’s heat will "cook" the weeds and their seeds, leaving the area weed-free and ready for planting.

Lazy Tip:

Start solarization in the hottest months for maximum effectiveness.

Choose Smart Planting Techniques

Dense planting is another lazy hack that works wonders. When you plant flowers, veggies, or shrubs close together, there’s less room for weeds to grow.

Companion planting—where certain plants naturally deter weeds or pests—also works well. For example, marigolds are great for vegetable gardens because they discourage weeds and unwanted bugs.

Lazy Tip:

Group plants with similar sunlight and water needs to make maintenance even easier.

Boil Them Away

For small patches of weeds, boiling water is a quick, chemical-free solution. Just pour it directly onto the weeds (but be careful around your other plants). This method works particularly well for weeds in cracks or driveways.

Lazy Tip:

Keep a kettle ready in your garden shed for spur-of-the-moment weed control.

Go Natural with DIY Weed Killers

If you’re not into chemicals, natural solutions like vinegar and salt are surprisingly effective. Mix white vinegar, a bit of salt, and a few drops of dish soap, then spray it directly onto weeds.

Just be cautious—this mixture can kill other plants too, so use it selectively.

Lazy Tip:

Spray on sunny days when the heat will help the mixture work faster.

Make Peace with the Weeds

Here’s a wild idea: not all weeds are bad. Some, like dandelions and clover, can actually benefit your garden by attracting pollinators or improving soil health.

If they’re not choking out your plants, consider letting a few of them coexist. Sometimes, the truly lazy solution is learning to live with a little wildness!

Weeds don’t have to be the bane of your gardening existence. With these lazy hacks, you can keep your garden looking great with minimal effort. So go ahead, grab a cool drink, sit back, and enjoy your weed-free (or weed-reduced) garden. You’ve earned it!