September has arrived, and with the milder weather, many are tackling those gardening chores delayed over the summer – not least the dreaded task of weeding.
Post-summer, weeds can be a particular nuisance, having spread their seeds far and wide, ready to sprout on patios and driveways. But fear not, for Courtney, an expert gardener and founder of The Kitchen Garten, has found a hassle-free method to eradicate these unwelcome guests.
Courtney experimented with various natural remedies like white vinegar, washing-up liquid, and Epsom salt but was wary of using them around her garden, concerned they might damage the soil. Instead, she opted for a surprisingly simple solution: pouring boiling water directly onto the weeds. To her astonishment, this straightforward approach proved incredibly effective, reports the Express.
Courtney said: “Boiling Water Say what? Yes, the claim is as simple as all that. I read up on using boiling water and thought it was too easy not to try, so why not?
“I used an electric kettle and simply boiled water that I then carried out and poured on the weeds.”
Courtney admits she was initially sceptical about the boiling water technique but decided to give it a go, hoping it would eliminate the weeds without harming her garden’s other plants. Two days after Courtney set out to tackle the pesky weeds with an unconventional method, she was surprised to see that boiling water had effectively “knocked out the weeds” with minimal effort.
The simple guides to using boiling water for weed eradication are straightforward boil a kettle, then cautiously carry it to the garden and pour directly on the unwanted flora. It’s important to pour slowly and aim right at the base, ensuring the scalding liquid reaches the roots for maximum impact.
Take care not to splash the boiling water on other plants while it won’t harm the soil, it can still damage living plants. As the hours pass, the weeds should start to wilt, turn yellow, and perish. If any green foliage remains after one to two days, keep up the treatment.
Paths, patios, and driveways will be cleared of weeds swiftly through this process. By using this approach, you’re effectively cooking the roots of the weeds, guaranteeing they won’t come back. However, it’s essential to use a kettle for safety reasons, as carrying boiling water without a lid is risky.
Courtney added: “Be sure if you choose this option that you have a kettle to carry the water. I don’t think walking outside with a large pot of boiling water would be the safest choice, but a kettle with a lid is perfect and not too cumbersome.”