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How do i get rid of weeds in my flower garden?

i like to plant flowers and spread red mulch around the flower garden for color. every year i get weeds and grass. i've laid down weed killer and plastic strips. neither worked. weeds eventually break though the the strips.

Public Comments

1. you need to pull the weeds up. Weed killer and plastic strips sounds a bit drastic. Remember that a weed is just a plant in the wrong place so just dig it out if you dont want it there. If you keep topping up with your mulch and catching any weeds before they seed and spread you will soon have no weeds and more enjoyment out of your flower garden.
2. I agree with Funky. Pull them up roots and all.
3. Pull them up by hand. Then use black plastic sheeting (or heavy duty black garbage bags) and spread them out over your flower bed. Lay your plants out on the black plastic where you'd like to plant them. When everything looks good, cut an X into the plastic and plant your plants in the X. Spread your mulch over the black plastic and water everything well. The black plastic will block the sun from the weeds so they won't grow.
4. Your red mulch should have been laid over a weed barrier although if you keep topping it up that should be OK but you need 3-4 inches. You must pull them up whilst they are still seedlings. If you can safely spray the mulch only, you may be able to use a seasonal weed killer but be careful as if it touches your other plants it will kill them too. You will always have some weeds or seedlings as the wind blows soil, dust and dirt and seeds as well as birds and their droppings onto the mulch. The trick is to get them before they become established.