Weeding: How to Weed Your Garden Without Losing Your Mind
Weeding doesn’t have to be a dreaded chore. I’ve helped countless homeowners in Toronto—from Etobicoke to North York—tackle their weedy garden beds and lawns transform them into thriving spaces. The trick is understanding why weeds grow, how to remove them properly, and what you can do to keep them from coming back.
Let’s break it down!
Why Weeds Are a Problem in Toronto Gardens
Weeds compete with your flowers, vegetables, and shrubs for water, light, and nutrients. They also spread quickly and can take over even the best-kept gardens if left unchecked.
In Toronto, the most common weeds include:
Dandelions
Creeping Charlie
Bindweed
Quackgrass
Crabgrass
Plantain
Canada Thistle
*shown in order, from left to right, below
Some of these are deep-rooted perennials, while others are fast-spreading annuals that reseed aggressively. Either way, staying on top of them is key. Make sure to wear your gardening gloves, especially for prickly weeds such as the Canada Thistle.
When’s the Best Time to Weed?
The best time to weed is…after a rainfall. When the soil is moist, roots come up more easily. If it’s been dry for days, water the area lightly before you start. Pull slowly and try to make sure you get the root system of the weed. This will increase your odds of the weed not growing back AND it’s satisfying!
Early spring is your best friend. Catching weeds before they flower or seed prevents new growth later in the season. Aim to do a light weeding in your lawn and garden beds once a week. This will prevent your lawn or gardens from getting out of control with weeds which can be overwhelming and may then warrant hiring a professional to turn your soil which will bring the weeds to the surface, in garden beds.
Pro Tip: Try weeding in the morning or early evening when the sun’s not blazing. It’s gentler on you—and your plants.
Tools You’ll Need
Having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what I recommend for clients:
Hand Weeder: Great for tap-rooted weeds like dandelions.
Hori Hori Knife: A multipurpose Japanese tool perfect for digging and slicing roots.
Scuffle Hoe: Ideal for slicing weeds off just below the soil surface.
Gloves: Protect your hands from thorns and irritants.
From left to right: Hand loop weeder, Crack weeder, All purpose weeder, Grandpa’s weeder, Ergonomic weeder, Hori Hori knife, Scuffle hoe, and Gardening gloves.
If you want more information on building a collection of quality tools, visit our Perfect Tools for Gardening in Toronto article.
How to Weed the Right Way
Here’s how to do it without wasting time or hurting your garden:
Get the Roots – Don’t just break off the top. Make sure you’re removing the full root system, especially for perennial weeds.
Don’t Disturb Too Much Soil – Turning soil brings new weed seeds to the surface. Be strategic.
Pull Gently but Firmly – Wiggle the weed a bit before pulling—it helps loosen roots.
Work in Sections – Focus on small areas at a time to avoid burnout.
Preventing Weeds Long-Term
Weeding isn’t just about removing—it’s about preventing. Here are proven strategies we use for clients across Toronto:
1. Mulch
A 2–3 inch layer of mulch shades the soil and blocks weed growth. Organic mulches like cedar, pine, or composted leaves work best. For tips on mulch, see our Fall Garden Mulching Guide.
2. Plant Densely
The more space you leave bare, the more room weeds have. Fill in beds with ground covers or tightly planted perennials.
3. Edge Your Beds
Installing edging keeps lawn weeds out of your garden. Metal, brick, or natural stone can help define space and prevent creeping grasses from invading.
4. Water Strategically
Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses. When you water the entire bed with a sprinkler, you also feed the weeds.
5. Use Landscape Fabric
Under gravel, dry laid flagstone or stepping stone pathways, landscape fabric can offer temporary suppression.
Organic Weed Control Options
Avoid chemical herbicides whenever possible—especially in gardens where pets or kids play. Here are a few natural alternatives:
Boiling Water: Great for driveways or cracks in patios.
Vinegar Solution: 1 part vinegar to 1 part water with a bit of dish soap. Effective on young weeds.
Corn Gluten Meal: A natural pre-emergent that stops seeds from germinating. Best applied in early spring.
Final Tip: Be Consistent
The best weeding strategy is consistency. Ten minutes a few times a week is more effective (and less exhausting) than one massive cleanup every two months.
If you’re short on time, consider booking a seasonal garden cleanup with us. We can help with weeding, mulching, and plant care that keeps your yard looking great year-round!
