A good technique, at this time of year, is to cover any bare ground with some light excluding material to stop the weeds from growing. Carpet is ideal, several layers of cardboard weighed down with some stones, or black plastic or commercial matting will all work. Anything organic will break down over time and add nutrients to the soil, therefore the likes of cardboard will need more adding when the weeds start to come through. It won't kill those tough perennials such as buttercups, but it will weaken them and make pulling them up easier. Not only does this technique prevent weeds from growing but it also protects the soil and will warm it for the start of the new growing season.
