Battling weeds on your patio or driveway can sometimes seem like a lost cause no matter how carefully you dig them up; they have an annoying habit of creeping back.

The root of the problem is their deep-set roots, which burrow into every nook and cranny. When you yank them out, bits remain behind, ready to spring up again.

Sure, you could use a chemical weedkiller, but many green-thumbed individuals shy away from these due to concerns about soil contamination and harm to wildlife and furry friends.

Instead, Gina LiVorio from Garden Savvy has a better idea: sideline the shop-bought sprays. A host of natural methods can curb troublesome trespassers without using pesticides.

She explained: “All gardeners know that it’s a skill in itself to get rid of weeds. The best way to do it is to use natural weed killers, many of which are common household items already in your kitchen.”

One of which Gina highlighted was lemon juice. Packed with citric acid, lemon juice will kill weeds quickly and effortlessly.

Gina mentioned: “The juice from lemons can act as a homemade herbicide because of its citric acid properties.”

“When weeds are doused in lemon juice, the acidity will burn the weeds and cause them to die.”

When using lemon juice, ensure you pour it directly onto the base of the weeds. For optimal results, apply it on a sunny day, as the combination of heat and acid will be more effective.

Gardening experts behind the blog Eco Gardener also praised lemon juice for its fast weed-killing abilities.

Any type of acidic compound is a “natural enemy of weeds”. Lemon juice kills weeds so effectively that it’s considered as “one of the best natural weed killers there is”. 

They added: “The citric acid in lemon juice dries out weed foliage until the weeds shrivel up and die in just a matter of one day or two so they won’t grow back.”

Gardeners could use fresh lemon juice or buy a bottle of lemon juice drink. Just pour the juice directly on the weedy spots and you’re done. 

The experts added a nifty trick if you want to “make the juice even more potent” – just mix a little white vinegar. 

Be sure to avoid the nearby vegetation when spraying or pouring the juice on the weedy spots.