Weeds are a common nuisance in British gardens, particularly during the summer months when they thrive in the abundant sunshine and rainfall. These pesky plants can quickly overrun gardens if not dealt with promptly, especially when weeds sprout up between patio slabs.
However, instead of resorting to harsh chemicals or toxic products, some gardeners have suggested a simple solution – pouring boiling water directly onto the weeds. Yet, one green-fingered enthusiast was unsure about the frequency and duration required for this method to be effective. Rachel Roberts posted a question on the Gardening UK Facebook page: “To those of you who use boiling water to kill the weeds growing in the patio, how often and for how long do you do it to see a difference?”
Fellow group members were quick to respond, claiming that results from using boiling water on weeds should appear swiftly.
Rachelle Breakspear shared her experience: “Poured hot water on the weeds and the next day they were burnt to a crisp, then I pulled them out and have not seen any since.”
Helen Brooks added, “I have found it depends on the weed – most of my patio weeds reacted pretty quickly. I use boiling water on my driveway.”
Sandra Lovett advised: “As soon as you notice the weeds, put boiling water on them. I go round every week with the kettle, my drives weed-free.”
Jazz Bah replied: “I saw a notable difference the next day. I did mine about a month ago and have not done it since. Dog friendly and I’m not averse to weeds as such, just not on my path.”
Fiona Hutchins wrote: “It’s a game changer, my drive looks new and it has little blocks with loads of cracks in between for weeds, dumped hot water and boom! They were dead in three hours. It’s been about a month, no weeds at all.”
John Gardner instructed: “When you see green shoots. Do a weekly ‘patrol’ during the growing season. They’ll be dead the same day and shrivelled to nothing in a couple more days if you use this. It’s an amazing water method.”
Annie Searle said, “I check on mine once a week. Each time they regrow, the weeds seem to be weaker and take longer to come back.”
According to specialists from Gardening Know How, boiling water “effectively scalds” weeds to the point they cannot regrow.
Nevertheless, for those planning to use this technique on surfaces such as patios, paving and gravel, exercise caution around other plants in the vicinity. It is advised to never apply boiling water to lawn weeds, as it will destroy the grass as well.
The specialists maintained that a tea kettle with a spout and a heatproof handle can be an “invaluable asset” when employing this technique to “kill weeds”.
This is because the spout enables gardeners to target the flow of water directly onto the weeds, whilst the kettle maintains most of the heat.
Ensure you pour gradually, particularly if there is grass close by or decorative plants that might be harmed.
Gardeners may discover that boiling water performs more effectively on broad-leaf weeds than it does on perennials, woody plants or grass weeds.
