Spring is fast approaching and gardens will start getting lush and green once again, but that also means weeds will soon begin to germinate.
It can be easy to notice weeds growing throughout flowerbeds but one spot gardeners commonly overlook is patio weeds, which grow in cracks and crevices in the stone.
If patio weeds are left uncontrolled, not only can they damage patios but they also trap moisture on the surface, which means they will promote the growth of other pest plants such as algae, moss, and mould.
Not only does this make patios an unsafe slipping hazard and look unkempt, but the weed damage can spread to the rest of the garden which can lead to stunted, damaged, or even dead plants.
It is important to target weeds now before the task gets more difficult once they begin to grow more. Expert Wendy Graham, an environmental expert and founder of Moral Fibres, has shared her very effective “homemade weed killer recipe” which keeps weeds away without using harsh chemicals.
READ MORE: Simple method for banishing three common weeds from gardens removes entire root
It is highly recommended to try using natural remedies to target weeds as many weed killers can also kill off flowers and plants while also being harmful to the local environment.
Wendy said: “Weed killer is one of those things that makes me feel a bit uneasy. I’ve got little kids, so I don’t like to keep it in the house, and I certainly don’t like to use it in the garden.
“This is because of its strong links to the decline in bee populations and the linkages between cancer and glyphosate, the main ingredient in most commercial weed killers.”
Instead, Wendy has devised an “eco-friendly” homemade remedy that will tackle “persistent” patio weeds, and all you need are three common kitchen items: white vinegar, salt, and washing-up liquid.
Wendy said: “The vinegar and salt help to dry out the weeds. Meanwhile, the washing-up liquid ensures the salty vinegar solution sticks to the leaves of the weeds.”
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How to get rid of patio weeds
Grab an empty spray bottle or container and add one litre of white vinegar and three large tablespoons of salt.
Stir the mixture together until the salt has dissolved, then add three teaspoons of washing-up liquid.
Spray it onto patio weeds on a clear sunny day when it has not recently been raining.
Leave the solution for at least an hour to fully penetrate the weeds.
If you have pets, keep them away from the patio once this solution has been sprayed.
Rinse off the homemade weed killer by pouring a bucket of boiling water on the weeds. It is important to rinse away the remedy so local wildlife does not walk over the weeds at night.
Wendy said: “This is in case any local wildlife walks over your slabs or paving – such as hedgehogs, foxes, or badgers. Salt and vinegar could be caustic to their paws or cause sickness if ingested. Again, rinsing off the solution prevents this from being an issue.”
Weeds will begin to dehydrate, turn brown and die, making this a very effective and super easy weed killer without spending hours pulling up weeds.
Wendy said: “It’s very effective – you should notice the weeds beginning to wilt within an hour.”
