Weeds poking through patio cracks or gravel can be a gardener’s nightmare due to their tenacious roots. Dust, dirt, and debris build-up in gravel gaps provide the perfect breeding ground for hardy weeds such as grasses and dandelions.
Paul Nicolaides from Buckinghamshire Landscape Gardeners, with over 30 years of gardening joy and two decades in professional landscaping, shares his best weed-busting tips. The “most effective” method, though tedious and strenuous, is the old-fashioned way: yanking out weeds with a trowel.
Yet, Paul suggests an easier concoction using household staples: white vinegar, salt, and washing-up liquid, reports the Express. He said: “Although vinegar can kill weeds using the correct application it is only more effective when mixed with salt.
“Mix your vinegar with a generous amount of salt and washing up liquid.” For gravel areas, rock salt is touted as “very effective” because it dehydrates and eventually kills weeds by stripping moisture from their roots and leaves.
Make sure to stir the mixture until the salt dissolves completely. Then pour the DIY herbicide into a spray bottle and douse the unwanted plants. Rock salt also acts as a gradual weed deterrent, dissolving slowly with rainfall.
A specialist advises that this method works best on a warm, dry day with no rain forecast. However, be prepared for multiple applications to achieve the desired result.
For tackling smaller weeds in gravel, Paul recommends using boiling water. He said: “Pouring boiling water onto weeds is most effective in gravel as it’s easier for water to percolate to the roots.
“As gravel is free draining the boiling water can strike to the very core of the weed. For small, less established weeds, however, a good dosage of boiling water should be enough to kill.”