Gardeners love 'cheap and effective' weed killer - not vinegar

an old man throws out a weed that was harvested from his garden
-Credit: (Image: GETTY)


Even the most experienced garden lovers can find themselves fighting a never-ending battle with persistent weeds. Popping up between perfectly arranged flower beds and sneaking through gaps in patio stones, it seems an eternal struggle to eliminate the pesky plants without harsh chemicals.

While some swear by white vinegar, salt, or even baking soda to beat the weeds back, these home remedies may not always cut it. However, according to William Mitchell of Sutton Manor Nursery, another eco-friendly solution has been making waves among gardeners.

William said: "There are plenty of rumours circulating the internet about newspapers helping to prevent the growth of weeds in your garden. The truth is, this is correct. Newspapers can be used as a cheap and effective way to stop weed growth."

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He highlighted that newspapers act as a light barrier while allowing water through due to their porous nature, adding that the material's biodegradability makes it an environmentally friendly option, reports the Express.

William said: "You simply lay the newspaper on the desired area making sure all edges overlap and do not leave any gaps. Then, water the newspaper to help it stay down."

For those aiming for a long-lasting weed deterrent, William suggested an additional measure. By placing layers of newspaper down first, then covering them with a thick layer of mulch and watering well, you can enhance stability and maintain soil moisture for healthy plant growth while keeping weeds at bay.

However, as newspapers naturally degrade over time, you'll need to reapply this method every few weeks.

If you're looking for a more traditional approach, there's one tried-and-true method that never fails - good old-fashioned weeding. It might be a bit of a chore, but regularly weeding your garden is incredibly effective.

Get hands-on with the weeds by carefully uprooting them. This should involve pulling them out from the base.

Keep an eye out for tap roots, which are thick roots that burrow deep into the soil to soak up water and nutrients. Weeds like dandelions, dock, and thistle all have tap roots.

Boiling water can also be a handy tool in your weed-fighting arsenal. It's particularly effective against weeds on paving and patios. Just pour it over the offending plants and wait for them to wilt before plucking them out of the ground.

You could even use leftover water from cooking pasta or rice to save water and get rid of weeds at the same time.