Weeds between garden stones can be a real pain. One minute, your stone path or border looks perfect. The next, tiny green weeds are popping up in every gap. If you don’t deal with them early, they spread fast and turn your neat outdoor space into a mess. So, how do you stop weeds from taking over your garden stones? Here are some clever and practical ways to keep them out for good.
How to keep weeds from taking over your paths and patios
Start with a strong base
The best way to stop weeds is to prevent them from growing in the first place. When laying garden stones, make sure the base underneath is solid. A compacted layer of crushed rock or sand creates a strong foundation that makes it harder for weeds to grow. Avoid using just soil under the stones, it’s an open invitation for weeds to sprout.
Use a weed barrier
A weed mat acts as a shield between the soil and your garden stones. Landscape fabric is a popular choice, but heavy-duty plastic sheeting can also work. Just lay the barrier down before placing your stones. This helps stop weeds from growing up through the gaps. If you’re using fabric, make sure it’s overlapped well at the seams to block out any sneaky weeds.
Fill the gaps with polymeric sand
Regular sand in between garden stones can shift over time, leaving gaps for weeds to grow. Polymeric sand is a much better option. It’s a special type of sand that hardens when wet, creating a solid surface between the stones. This makes it difficult for weeds to push through. Plus, it helps keep the stones in place, reducing movement over time.
Go natural with white vinegar
If weeds do start appearing, you don’t need harsh chemicals to get rid of them. White vinegar is a natural and effective weed killer. Just pour it directly onto the weeds between your garden stones on a sunny day. The acid in the vinegar dries them out and kills them. Just be careful not to spill it on any plants you want to keep!
Boiling water does the trick
Another simple way to kill weeds is with boiling water. Pour it straight onto the weeds growing between your garden stones. The heat destroys the plant from the inside out. This method is best for small areas, but it’s a quick and chemical-free solution.
Sweep regularly
Keeping your stone pathway or border clean can make a big difference. Weeds love to grow in dirt and debris that collects between garden stones. A regular sweep with a stiff broom can stop seeds from settling and growing. If you’re feeling extra thorough, use a leaf blower to get rid of any loose dirt.
Install edging around your garden stones
Weeds often creep in from the edges of stone paths or borders. Adding stone, plastic, or metal garden edging helps create a barrier to stop them. This keeps your garden stones looking neat and reduces the chance of weeds spreading.
Use salt, but carefully
Salt is a powerful natural weed killer. Sprinkling a small amount between garden stones can help stop weed growth. However, be careful. Too much salt can affect nearby plants and soil. It works best in areas where you don’t plan to grow anything, like driveways or stone walkways.
Flame weeders for stubborn growth
If you’ve got tough weeds that keep coming back, a flame weeder might be the answer. These tools use a small propane flame to burn weeds down to the root. Just a few seconds of heat is enough to stop the weeds from growing. It’s a chemical-free and effective method, but always use caution near flammable materials.
Get hands-on with manual weeding
Sometimes, the simplest method is the best. Pulling weeds by hand can be very effective, especially if you catch them early. A weeding tool or a small knife can help get deep roots out from between garden stones. If you keep on top of it, weeds won’t have a chance to take over.
Consider sealing your stones
Sealing garden stones doesn’t just make them look better, it can also help prevent weeds. A good stone sealant reduces moisture absorption, making it harder for weeds to grow in the gaps. It also helps protect the stones from stains and weather damage.
Mulch the surrounding areas
Weeds often spread from nearby soil. Adding a thick layer of mulch around your garden stones can stop weed seeds from reaching the gaps. Organic mulches, like bark or wood chips, break down over time and improve soil health while keeping weeds away.
Use corn gluten meal for prevention
If you’re looking for a natural way to stop weed seeds from sprouting, corn gluten meal is worth trying. It’s a byproduct of corn processing and works as a pre-emergent herbicide. Just sprinkle it around your garden stones in early spring or fall to stop weeds before they start.
Keeping weeds out of your garden stones takes a little effort, but it’s worth it. The key is to prevent them from growing in the first place with a strong base, weed barriers, and polymeric sand. If weeds do show up, simple tricks like vinegar, boiling water, or regular sweeping can help. For more stubborn weeds, edging, flame weeders, and sealing stones offer extra protection. By staying on top of it, you can enjoy a clean, weed-free outdoor space without too much hassle.
Looking for quality garden stones for your next project? Visit Mi Organics Landscaping Supplies in Coffs Harbour, Grafton, Townsend, Nambucca, or Woolgoolga. We’ve got a range of stones to help you create a beautiful, weed-free garden space.