Gardening is a hobby that many take pride in, especially when they see their plants flourish. But pesky weeds can be a nuisance, popping up again and again despite our best efforts.
While there are many products promising to get rid of them for good, most contain harsh chemicals. However, one natural solution could be the answer.
Hannah Rowson, a gardening expert at J.Parker’s, suggests using simple boiled water to kill off weeds. “You can kill off weeds by pouring boiled water from your kettle over them,” she explained.
“Be careful not to splash your toes, of course! The hot water shocks the plant, killing it within a day or two.”
This method works well for patio weeds, but Hannah advises caution when trying this in the garden as boiling water can harm other plants.
If you’re wary about using boiling water, Hannah recommends vinegar as a safe and effective alternative. She explained: “Vinegar is full of acetic acid, which is a natural bacteria killer.
“It’s a great way of killing back any unwanted weeds that are siloed and aren’t surrounded by wanted plants.”
Hannah advised: “Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and spritz them fully, getting as close to the roots as you can.
“Regular vinegar also does the trick, helping you to get rid of weeds permanently. You can also try using lemon juice, as it contains citric acid which can cause weeds to shrivel.
“Like any plant, weeds can be annual or perennial. Annual weeds are easier to get rid of, as they last just one year or season,” Hannah said. “They might spring up quickly, but they can be removed just as quickly too.”
“Perennial weeds are trickier, as they’ll return year after year. They have deeper roots than their annual counterparts and if they’re not removed, they’ll just come back to mock you.”
Hannah recommends using an app or online guide to identify your weeds. The Royal Horticultural Society has online help, and apps like Leafsnap can name plants from photos.
Lawn expert Hannah advises “nipping it in the bud” when dealing with weeds to keep your grass green and healthy. She suggests regular mowing as an effective way of keeping weeds under control, explaining: “This helps to weaken them, and also stops them from setting seed, which in turn, stops them from reappearing.”
