Weeds have the annoying ability to thrive in areas of the garden with moisture and ample sunlight.
Gravel will eventually build up deposits of rain, dust, bird droppings, and other sources that provide weeds with an environment to grow and thrive.
Weeds that thrive in gravel grow from seeds that are dispersed by the wind, carried by animals, or unintentionally transported on people’s shoes.
These seeds start growing and spreading their roots when the environment is moist, warm, and humid.
Despite a landscape fabric or a weed membrane being used sometimes weeds still manage to find a way to grow through them.
After seeing recommendations of the use of white vinegar and salt for gravel weeds, Suzie Briggs took to the Gardening Hints and Tips Facebook page for advice.
She said: “I’ve seen lots of posts lately about the use of white vinegar and salt for weed killing.
“I have a gravel covered drive and can’t seem to keep the weeds in check, even using the recommended weed killer for paths. Would they work on the drive or is there something better?
“There are no other plants in the vicinity and it’s not like I would be planting anything on the drive in future.”
Group members took to the comments section to share their thoughts. Although they agreed that these two kitten staples “work well” they recommended she use a “better” household product – washing powder.
Simone Mister said: “I used to use salt on my alleyway and it works, but washing powder was better for me.”
Sarah McEvoy wrote: “I had success with some cheap soap powder and boiling water.”
Vera Hill commented: “Laundry powders are amazing on gravel weeds. You can see the results almost instantly.”
Speaking to Ideal Home, gardening expert at Gardenstone Tom Clifford agreed with this method. He said: “Strong chemical weed killers, although effective, can often be harmful to your patio surface, especially if it’s made from delicate stone.
“Washing powder offers a gentler option that shouldn’t harm your patio surface but will effectively kill weeds.
“In addition, washing powder is a regular household object, making it much more accessible and affordable than chemical weed killers.”
Given washing powder contains boron, which is toxic to plants, when the cleaning product makes contact with the weeds they will start to wither and die.
To use washing powder to kill weeds, sprinkle the powder onto the gravel or patio gaps, and then pour boiling water over it.
Once the leaves have turned brown and the weeds begin to wilt, you can sweep them away easily.
To sweep them away, households can use this Deluxe Stiff Bassine Broom from Wick that retails for £9.50 or they can purchase Homebase’s Stiff Bassine Wooden Broom that costs £9.
