A gardener has asked for advice on how to kill weeds in a gravel drive and ivy in the garden, and people are stunned at the effective and simple solution
Weeds can start small but quickly become a big problem(Image: Ali Majdfar via Getty Images)
Gravel weeds and ivy can be a formidable challenge for even the most experienced and dedicated gardeners, prompting many to search for a quick and safe method of removal. The porous and naturally uneven surface of gravel gardens, unfortunately, allows weeds to push through and mar your otherwise immaculate landscape.
As for the climbing menace that is English ivy, its tenacious nature enables it to infiltrate cracks and gaps, potentially compromising structural integrity and wreaking havoc on your outdoor space. Exasperated by these two troublesome plants, one gardener turned to the Gardening Hints and Tips Facebook group seeking guidance on whether salt could provide a solution.
Sarah Ford said: “Good morning, has anyone used salt to kill the weeds growing in their gravel drive and ivy in their garden? If so, was it successful and how long did it take the weeds and ivy to die?”
Numerous gardeners expressed astonishment that salt could effectively eliminate plants, particularly weeds and ivy, whilst others eagerly shared their triumphant experiences with this method, reports the Express.
Steve Hall said: “Yes, ordinary table salt works. Put plenty on but keep well away from anywhere you want to grow.”
Carol Saith said: “I put salt on my driveway especially, and the weeds were dead in five days, the ivy too.”
Gravel weeds and ivy will be ‘dead in 5 days’ if you use 1 natural item gardeners love(Image: GETTY)
Catherine Ions said: “Salt first, then boiling water. It does kill them, and they stay away for a long time.”
Kellie Hare added: “I use salt between my gravel paving and in three to five days they’re gone.”
Cheryl Edwards said: “Yes, just salt sprinkled liberally, ensuring it doesn’t blow onto any adjoining grass/plants, so on a non-windy day. Used to use weed killer, but we have hedge hogs visit, so decided to try it, and it definitely works.”
Salt can help to kill gravel weeds and ivy(Image: Getty)
Sandi Briskall said: “Works really well, I had a lot of ivy and weeds growing in my garden. I put salt on the top, and in around seven days, they start to blacken and die.”
But what makes salt so effective against unwanted plants?
Salt operates by extracting moisture and interfering with plants’ natural water regulation systems.
When sprinkled on weeds, it dehydrates plant tissues by removing water through osmosis, leading to dehydration and ultimately plant death.
This straightforward method proves surprisingly potent against numerous common weeds and even stubborn ivy.
The gardening experts at Buckinghamshire Landscape Gardeners said: “Ivy has a serious dislike of salt, especially when it comes into contact with its inner parts. If you have a stubborn Ivy plant, which has a thick base, salt can help to kill it.”