Weeds sprouting through driveways and patios are one of the most stubborn eyesores for UK homeowners. They seem to pop up overnight, thrive in the smallest cracks, and spread fast.
While chemical weed killers offer a quick fix, more and more gardeners are turning to natural alternatives that are safer for the environment, pets and local wildlife.
And the good news is that one simple kitchen ingredient could be all you need to banish unwanted weeds for good – without relying on harsh herbicides.
White vinegar, a staple in most UK kitchens, has become a go-to ingredient for eco-conscious gardeners. Its main component, acetic acid, acts as a natural desiccant, drawing moisture out of plant leaves and effectively drying them up.
When applied correctly, vinegar can work wonders on young or shallow-rooted weeds, particularly those growing in driveways, patios and paths, where there’s little surrounding greenery to protect.
To make your own solution, pour one gallon of white vinegar into a container, stir in a cup of regular table salt until fully dissolved, then mix in a tablespoon of washing up liquid. The soap acts as a surfactant, helping the liquid cling to the leaves rather than sliding off.
Transfer the mixture into a spray bottle for easy application. On a dry, sunny day, spray the weeds generously, ensuring the leaves and stems are thoroughly coated.
The combination of vinegar and salt will begin to work within hours, with visible browning by the end of the day – but be warned to only use this mixture only on unwanted weeds. It’s non-selective, meaning it will damage any plants it touches.
Household vinegar typically contains around 5% acetic acid. While this concentration might not penetrate deep, it’s highly effective on surface growth and small weeds. The salt in the mixture gives an extra drying punch, dehydrating stubborn patches, while the soap ensures every leaf is evenly coated.
While vinegar is one of the most powerful kitchen-based solutions, there are a few other non-chemical techniques that can help keep your driveway weed-free year-round.
Pouring freshly boiled water directly onto weeds is one of the oldest and simplest methods around. It’s especially useful for cracks in paving or pathways, where you don’t have to worry about harming nearby plants. A handy trick is to reuse the water left over from boiling vegetables to save energy.
Lemon juice contains citric acid, which, like vinegar, can dehydrate weeds. It’s particularly effective on small clusters in driveways or patios. For a quick batch, use the juice of about five lemons or opt for bottled lemon juice.
Finally, for gardeners who prefer to keep things entirely chemical-free, hand-pulling weeds remains the gold standard. It’s easiest after rain, when the soil is soft, and following up with a layer of mulch can prevent regrowth by blocking light from reaching the soil.