Weeds are a fact of life for every gardener and grower, and glyphosate is the quick fix many people reach for. But there is a better way to deal with weeds, one that doesn’t involve a chemical many people believe is too risky to use at all.
The Problem With Glyphosate
Glyphosate is the world’s most widely used herbicide, and concern about its health effects keeps growing. In 2015 the World Health Organization’s cancer research agency classified it as “probably carcinogenic to humans,” and thousands of people have taken legal action over illnesses they link to exposure. Those who work with it directly, such as farmers, gardeners and groundskeepers, face the highest exposure through skin contact and spray drift.
There are also practical problems. Glyphosate runs off into soil and waterways, it can harm neighbouring plants, and weeds around the world are evolving resistance to it. It clears the ground but does nothing to stop the next flush of weeds, so the cycle of spraying continues.
For anyone who prefers to avoid the risk altogether, the simplest approach is never to use it.
Why Mulch Works Better
Glyphosate reacts to weeds after they appear. Mulch prevents them in the first place. A thick layer over the soil blocks the light weed seeds need to germinate, and any seedlings that do break through are weak and easy to pull.
Mulch also:
- Feeds the soil. Organic mulches like wood chips, straw and compost break down into rich organic matter and support earthworms and beneficial microbes.
- Saves water. Shaded soil loses less moisture, so you water less often.
- Protects the ground. It keeps soil temperatures steady and reduces erosion and crusting.
- Costs little. Wood chips, leaves, grass clippings and compost are often free or cheap.
Getting It Right
- Pull or slash existing weeds first, especially runners and deep-rooted perennials.
- Lay cardboard or newspaper over stubborn areas for extra suppression.
- Apply 5 to 10 cm of mulch.
- Keep mulch clear of plant stems and tree trunks.
- Top up once or twice a year as it breaks down.
- Use clean straw or well-made compost to avoid introducing weed seeds.
The Bottom Line
Mulch suppresses weeds, builds healthier soil and saves water, all without the health worries that come with glyphosate. It is the safer, smarter choice for anyone who wants lasting weed control.
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