Weeds are garden nuisances that are not just eyesores as they have a knack for sprouting in the most inconvenient spots think between the paving, cracks on driveways, and smack dab in patio spaces.
While reaching for a bottle of chemical weed killer might seem like an easy fix, it’s worth considering its potential harm to pets, wildlife, and the wider environment. Nevertheless, eco-conscious gardeners have tricks up their sleeves to tackle these pesky plants without upsetting the garden’s natural balance such as using boiling water.
Enthusiasts of Mrs Hinch have taken to dedicated gardening Facebook pages to share their top tips. In one such group, Julie Lucas sought assistance, querying: “Any ideas for killing weeds on patio slabs please?”
Her plea sparked a range of suggestions. However, it was the tip to pour boiling water that steamed ahead as the favoured suggestion.
Contributing to the hot topic, Gill Cardwell Jones advised: “Boil your kettle and while it’s still bubbling, pour over the weeds and they’ll never come back. My gardener told me that and it works great. Obviously, don’t do it to weeds on your grass though.”
Victoria Jewell simply stated: “I just boil the kettle and pour it on. Kills them straight away!” A chorus of agreement resonated, with Jean Clough and Kim Hudspeth among others advocating the “boiling water” method.
Meanwhile, Facebook user Natalie Dawson recommended the use of “boiling water and salt” as a surefire way to eliminate weeds.
Boiling water is a quick and effective method for weed destruction. The heat from the water annihilates the root tissue of the plant, causing it to shrivel up and die within a day or two.
This technique is particularly useful for clearing weeds on paths and driveways.
However, this approach should be avoided on lawns or flower beds, as the boiling water could also harm grass and other plants that gardeners wish to preserve.
Other weed removal tips from Mrs Hinch’s followers included using salt, white vinegar, and a weed burner.
Irene Ducros stated: “Salt – just salt. It does the job. I’ve been using it for years now and nothing else seems to work.”
Jan Mchugh responded to the post with: “Mixture of salt, washing up liquid and white vinegar.”
Ally East suggested: “I tried the vinegar and washing up water method and it works, but have now decided that I like the effect of moss in amongst my slabs. Gives it a cottage-y feel, like the paving you see in gardens of listed buildings. I just pull up the weeds.”
Liz Hogan penned: “One litre of white vinegar. Do it when the sun is on it.”
Jacqui Spelman replied: “I was told pure vinegar they get in the chippies and water it down. I used it and it’s brilliant. Does the job and quickly. Just don’t get it on the grass as it burns it.”
Paula Forester commented: “I use a weed burner. It kills right down to the root.”
