Banish gravel weeds using 3-ingredient solution that 'dehydrates' roots
Weeds poking through patio cracks or nestled in gravel can be a persistent headache for gardeners, with their tenacious roots making them particularly tricky to eradicate.
The crevices of gravel surfaces gradually collect dust, dirt, and debris, creating an ideal breeding ground for hardy weeds such as grasses and dandelions.
Paul Nicolaides, a seasoned Buckinghamshire Landscape Gardener with over 30 years of recreational gardening and two decades in the professional landscaping business, has shared his expert advice on weed removal.
He suggests that while the "most effective" method is the arduous task of manually digging out the weeds with a trowel, there's a more straightforward approach using household items like white vinegar, salt and washing-up liquid, reports the Express.
Paul advises: "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."
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For those battling weeds in gravel, rock salt is touted as "very effective" because it "slowly dehydrates moisture from the weeds, roots and foliage, eventually killing them".
It's important to stir the solution thoroughly until the salt dissolves completely. Afterward, pour the DIY weed killer into a spray bottle and spritz it onto the unwanted plants. As it gradually breaks down with rainfall, rock salt also acts as a prolonged weed deterrent.
An expert has advised that the optimal time for weed treatment is "best done on a warm and dry day" to ensure there's no risk of rain interfering with the process.
Yet, the method does come with a caveat - it necessitates several applications for full efficacy. For tackling pesky weeds in gravel areas, Paul recommends a simple household solution: boiling water.
He detailed the technique: "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."
Paul also noted that "For small, less established weeds, however, a good dosage of boiling water should be enough to kill."