Gardening guru Nilufer Danis has flagged up a common blunder made by many when tending to their front gardens: letting weeds run riot.
Nilufer has highlighted the need for gardeners to act swiftly to stop these pesky plants from dominating, particularly in gravel driveways where they’re notoriously difficult to control.
While some green-fingered enthusiasts might turn to white vinegar, which takes around 24 hours to zap weeds effectively, Nilufer suggests a speedier alternative: boiling water.
Firstly, it’s crucial to pinpoint the exact type of weeds you’re dealing with, whether it’s clover, thistle, or horsetail, which are frequent culprits in driveways and paths.
On her website, Nilufer advises that dousing the weeds with boiling water will see them off in a flash as the intense heat wreaks havoc on their plant cells, reports the Express.
Not just for gravel, this approach is also a winner for tackling weeds in paving or those pesky ones poking through concrete cracks.
The green-thumbed expert explained: “The best method for instantly killing weeds on gravel driveways is boiling water. Just pour a pot of boiling hot water directly over the weed – this will instantly kill it.”
She added: “The boiling water can also be effective at killing weeds in other areas of the garden, including paving and between cracks in concrete.”
For the most effective weed warfare, it’s vital to pour the boiling water as near to the weeds as possible to keep it scalding hot.
For those tough weeds that just won’t budge, you might want to think about digging them out or opting for an organic solution such as a concoction of lemon juice and salt, though this approach may be slower to take effect.
Nilufer cautioned: “No matter which method you use, make sure to stay safe while dealing with weeds.”
“Don’t pour boiling water near any electrical cables or wires, and always wear gloves when working in your garden.”
After you’ve successfully banished the weeds, it’s wise to take measures to stop them from making an unwelcome comeback, like topping up gravel in areas where it’s thin on the ground.
