Dealing with Thistles in Your Garden

Wear gloves when handling thistles to protect your skin from their prickly spines. Cut off thistle flowers before they go to seed to prevent their spread. Dig out thistles with a shovel, making sure to remove the entire root system. Mulch your garden beds to smother thistles and prevent them from germinating. Use a vinegar spray as a natural herbicide to kill thistles.