One of the greatest aids to weeding is mulching, since it prevents the weeds from forming in the first place. A layer of some material that will keep the light from the soil will inhibit the germination of weed seeds, so keeping the border free of weeds.

If, however, there are already perennial weeds in the border, then the mulch will not help. This is because the weeds will simply grow through the material in the same way as the plants.

Organic mulches, such as leaf mould and composted or chipped bark, are best, as they will eventually rot down and improve the soil. Most will also look more sympathetic in the borders, creating a good background against which to see the plants, though this is not the case with straw or grass cuttings.

Black plastic mulches are efficient but ugly. Some gardeners try to avoid the plastic showing by covering it with a shallow layer of earth or mulch, such as bark, but this inevitably washes off in places or is revealed by birds pecking among the covering layer, and the ugly plastic makes reappearance.

Where plants are growing close together, the best way of removing weeds is to either pull them out by hand or dig them out using a hand fork. Perennial weeds must be dug out whole and not simply chopped off, or they will soon return.

Where there is more room, hoes can be used in a border, but take care not to damage your precious plants in the process. In hot weather, hoes up weeds can be left to shrivel, but it looks much less messy if they are all removed to the compost heap.

After weeding, rake through the border with a fork, or if the plants are far enough apart, with a rake. This will tidy up the bed and level off the surface, removing any footprints and any weed remnants.