Looking to banish weeds in your garden? You don’t need to turn to chemical weed killers, as there are a number of natural methods that can be just as effective
Weeds can be a real nuisance, sprouting up not just in garden beds but also through the nooks and crannies of patios or gravel paths. While reaching for chemical weed killers might seem like the go-to solution, those looking to be more eco-conscious have alternative natural options that are equally effective, reports the Express.
Garden designer and TikTok creator Ish has shared three easy and natural weed-removal methods, with one promising to see weeds “die off” within mere hours – and all you need is your trusty kettle. In his video caption, Ish wrote: “Sometimes the simplest is the most effective and in this case my gardening tips for beginner gardeners will show you how to use items in your home to do the weeding.”
Forget scouring the shops for harsh chemicals; Ish assured that boiling water can tackle those pesky plants swiftly and safely.
How to get rid of weeds
He recommended dousing the weeds with a liberal amount of boiling water straight from the kettle. Ish said: “You’ll start to find that the weed will die off within an hour or two, it really is that quickly.”
He cautions that this method is particularly suited for hard surfaces like patios and gravel, as it could harm other plants, so aim carefully. The Spruce echoed this advice, suggesting the use of a full kettle of boiling water, poured with a spout to minimise any risk of scalds.
Garden gurus are dishing out a hot tip for those pesky dandelions and weeds – give them a boiling bath. They’ve penned the advice: “Reapply after seven to ten days to increase the likelihood of killing the deep taproot. Keep in mind that any other plantings exposed to the water will also be damaged or killed.”
The trick with boiling water is it gives weeds a thermal shock, wreaking havoc on their cellular structure and sending them to an early grave. Carrie Spoonemore, the brains behind Park Seed’s From Seed to Spoon app, shared with Southern Living: “It is particularly effective on young, annual weeds and weeds growing in cracks or small areas.”
But before you go kettle-happy, Robert Silver, a green-fingered whizz and head honcho at Pro Gardening, told Real Homes some words of caution about this steamy solution.
He points out that the scalding splash might not hit the root of the problem, literally. He explained: “The main reason boiling water fails as a weed killer is that it cannot get to the entire root system of most weeds.”
And when it comes to dandelions, don’t expect a full surrender just from a hot water treatment. Their roots can be quite the underground adventurers, spreading far and wide, and they’re tough to boot.
Robert clarifies: “Boiling water can kill the tops, but because soil insulates the roots, this allows them to regrow.”
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