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Grass regrowing in new border (see pic)

Ivy2Ivy2 Posts: 73
in Problem solving
I cut out new border in February with a flat spade. Any advice how reduce this growing back.

I know nature loves to fill an empty space and have some Gernaium and Rose Carpet to do that but they are just establishing so for a good while there will be an empty space.


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  • rowlandscastle444rowlandscastle444 Posts: 2,612
    I fully appreciate the frustration, but hand weeding on a regular basis is what works for me. 
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Tackling a section of the bed at a time, sweep the bark aside, use a small spade or hand trowel to dig out each tuft of grass, taking up as much root as possible, then put the bark back on top.  Keep an eye out for any returning grass and uproot it as soon as you can.  Increasing the depth of the bark mulch will also help to keep other weeds away.  Your efforts will eventually be rewarded with a bed of plants you really want!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Is it coming from left-behind roots of the old grass, or are they new seedlings? They look like seedlings but it's heard to tell from a picture. New seedlings should be easy to hand-weed or hoe off. If there are roots left behind they'll be more persistent so probably worth digging or forking them out.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • Ivy2Ivy2 Posts: 73
    I seem to need a little trowel to get them out (root and all) so that would suggest they are left behind then? I used a flat spade, dug down a bit and then scraped up the turf. Maybe I didn't dig down deep enough.
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Maybe not. Best to dig/fork them out as they appear then, taking as much root as you can.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • Ivy2Ivy2 Posts: 73
    ok, will do that, I know it's part of gardening and will never end but hopefully if I do it fairly thoroughly this season it will get easier long term.

  • Allotment BoyAllotment Boy Posts: 6,774
    If it's going to be a while till you can plant cover the newly weeded ground with something to keep the light out. This will stop anything re-growing.  Use whatever you have, black plastic (cut open compost bags) cardboard or even landscape fabric if you are feeling flush!
    AB Still learning

  • ontopofthehillontopofthehill Posts: 76
    edited April 2023

    I feel your pain. Top is august 2020 was an 'in progress' when we had to completely hand dig out a massive new bed that was previously just overgrown leylandii. As soon as we removed the trees it went to complete pot during lockdown due to inability to get bark mulch etc. Bottom left was the same area last June after two years of growing in. Bottom right is it a few weeks ago so at it's wintery worst but the weeds and stray grass seedlings are still so much less noticeable these days and far easier to pull up. Mulch does wonders but it needs to be thick and that first few years hard work will pay dividends when the plants do grow in a bit. I find an oscillating hoe flies through the small stuff but it does smoosh the bark mulch into the soil so push it back before doing battle. Good luck!
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I did as @Allotment Boy describes when starting to create borders in this plot as there was nothing there.
    Otherwise, hoeing and thick mulching is the answer, and/or lots of ground cover. The mulch in your photo isn't enough to suppress weeds, but a few inches will make a difference, and make it easier to get out any weeds that seed in from above. Anything perennial would need dug out, or dabbed with weedkiller depending on your approach and the amount of time you have.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @Ivy2 When mowing I would also ensure that the grass doesn't go onto the border. It can some root.
    @ontopofthehill Lovely to see your beautiful garden! 
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
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