Weeds can be a nuisance for gardeners looking to spruce up their garden and patio, and an expert has shared a simple yet effective hack using an item that’s probably in your kitchen right now
Weeds can ruin the look of your patio and gravel areas – but there’s a simple and eco-friendly solution to this annual problem. Patio expert Simon Wardle, from Armstrong Cheshire, has warned against using chemicals – such as white vinegar – that can damage your patio, plants, and garden’s ecosystem.
Speaking about the well-known ‘vinegar trick’, he said: “This is not always advisable, as the acid can damage the surface of the stones, particularly limestone or concrete pavers, as well as being harmful to wildlife and plants.” Instead, Simon suggests a brilliant tip that tea and coffee lovers will adore – and says pouring boiling water straight from your kettle as the “perfect solution”.
No matter if your weeds are old or new, Simon assures that this simple trick “will remove unsightly weeds from your patio this summer – for free”, reports the Express. He detailed: “This targeted approach ensures your patio remains pristine and environmentally safe, without any harmful residues left behind.”
“You should start to see results in minutes as the boiling water breaks down the weed – with full results in hours.” Just boil a kettle of water and you’re ready to go. Walking carefully, take your closed kettle onto your patio and closely to the weeds. Using the spout, aim directly at the weed and thoroughly drench it.
Simon directed gardeners to “wait for the magic to happen” promising noticeable results “in minutes”. Be sure to repeat this procedure at the earliest sign of any new sprouting weeds.
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Explaining how it works, he says the hot water “scalds the weeds by killing the leaves” these leaves are what catch light to aid the weeds’ growth and strength. Expanding on this, the expert mentioned how the boiling water can seep into any crevices, helping to unsettle and stun the taproot.
While this method proves useful for patio, driveway, and gravelly weed types, there are two places you should never pour boiling water. Boiling water should be avoided on lawn-based weeds as it “will kill” it. The great heat often eradicates protective layers on the leaves and with continuous exposure can even affect their root systems.
Moreover, gardeners must also shy away from streaming the boiling solution onto weeds near their much-loved garden plants. Hot water can wreak havoc on parts of other plants it comes into contact with, especially at their tender age.
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