Weeds can be a nightmare for keen gardeners, but there are simple ways to get rid of them without having to resort to harsh chemicals. A gardening expert has shared two natural solutions to help.
Weeds are tricky to remove(Image: Zen Rial via Getty Images)
Weeds have an annoying habit of popping up in the most awkward spots, from your immaculate lawn to your lovingly tended flower beds and even across patios and driveways.
They are difficult to remove and quick to spread because they grow fast, reproduce in large numbers, travel easily, are tough to kill, and can linger in the soil for years. Their persistence is part of what makes regular garden maintenance so essential.
Whilst they can be a proper headache for many gardening enthusiasts, getting rid of them doesn’t necessarily require reaching for nasty chemicals.
Hannah Rowson, a horticultural expert at J. Parker’s, has revealed two straightforward, natural methods to sort out the issue.
She recommended: “You can kill off weeds by pouring boiled water from your kettle over them.
Boiling water works fast to kill weeds(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
“But watch out not to splash your toes of course. The hot water will shock the plant, killing weeds within a day or two.”, reports the Mirror.
This method works brilliantly for patio and driveway weeds but isn’t quite as successful for flower beds and lawns.
That’s because scalding water will immediately destroy anything it touches due to its temperature, so care is essential.
If you’re wary about using boiling water, Hannah proposed white vinegar as a safer option, reports the Express.
Hannah clarified: “Vinegar is full of acetic acid, which is a natural bacteria killer. It’s a great way of killing back any unwanted weeds that aren’t surrounded by wanted plants.
“Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and spritz them fully, getting as close to the roots as you can. Regular vinegar also does the trick, helping you to get rid of weeds permanently. You can also try using lemon juice, as it contains citric acid which can cause weeds to shrivel.
“Like any plant, weeds can be annual or perennial. Annual weeds are easier to get rid of, as they last just one year or season. They might spring up quickly, but they can be removed just as quickly too.
“Perennial weeds are trickier, as they’ll return year after year. They have deeper roots than their annual counterparts and if they’re not removed, they’ll just come back to mock you.”
Keep an eye out for usual suspects like dandelions, couch grass, chickweed, and the pesky prickly milk thistle.
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