Gardening fans have shared a method for killing weeds permanently that has been deemed the ‘only effective method’, as people rate it more highly than weed killer
Weeds can be killed permanently with one easy hack (stock photo)(Image: Tim Parker via Getty Images)
Weeds are a real nuisance that can leave our gardens looking scruffy and unkempt. Getting rid of weeds proves tricky because they typically boast hardy root systems, which means that even after yanking them out or dousing the foliage with weed killer, the underground roots can persist and eventually sprout anew. It’s also not uncommon for certain weed varieties to develop waxy leaves that repel herbicides and standard weed killers, rendering them immune to conventional treatments.
However, according to green-fingered enthusiasts on social media, there’s one straightforward trick to ensure the weeds plaguing your garden never make a comeback. In fact, it’s been hailed as the “only effective method” for eliminating the unwelcome plants permanently.
The tip was posted on Instagram by a woman called Alex, who revealed all you need is one item that’s already sitting in everyone’s kitchen.
In her clip, Alex demonstrated boiling her kettle filled with nothing more than ordinary tap water. After the kettle reached boiling point, she carried it outdoors and carefully poured the piping hot water directly onto the weeds sprouting between her paving slabs and among the pebbles in her garden – being mindful not to scald herself in the process.
Pouring boiling water over weeds is a tried-and-tested method of extermination, as it melts the waxy protective layer on their leaves and scalds the plant, leading to dehydration and death. As viewers of Alex’s video were quick to confirm, it’s a technique that genuinely delivers results.
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One individual commented: “I can also vouch for the fact that this is the only effective method I have ever found!”
Another chimed in with: “Tried! Tested! Works!”
However, some viewers highlighted that not all weeds are bad news for our ecosystem. In the footage, Alex douses a dandelion with hot water – a plant which many pointed out is actually a top-notch pollinator for bees, so should ideally be left undisturbed.
There are also a few important points to bear in mind when using boiling water as a weed killer. This approach isn’t suitable for flowerbeds and should only be used on weeds sprouting between rocks or on your patio, as pouring it onto soil will also wipe out any plants you’re keen to preserve.
For maximum effectiveness, aim to pour the boiling water directly at the base of the plant to target the roots, and bear in mind that more established weeds may require several treatments.
How to kill weeds effectively
Manual removal
Pull by Hand: Uproot weeds, ensuring you remove the entire root system, especially for perennial weeds.Hoeing: Use a hoe to sever weeds at the soil surface. Best done when the soil is dry.
Mulching
Organic Mulch: Apply a 2-4 inch layer of wood chips, straw, or leaves around plants to block sunlight.Landscape Fabric: Place fabric under mulch for extra protection.
Chemical control
Selective Herbicides: Target specific types of weeds (e.g., broadleaf or grassy).Non-selective Herbicides: Kill all vegetation. Use carefully to avoid harming desired plants.Pre-emergent Herbicides: Prevent weed seeds from germinating.
Natural solutions
Boiling Water: Pour directly onto weeds in cracks or driveways.Vinegar: Household vinegar can burn young weeds. Stronger horticultural vinegar is more effective, but use caution.Salt: Use sparingly, only in areas where you don’t want anything to grow, as salt can harm soil health.
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