Weeds can be a persistent nuisance, sprouting in any available space, especially between cracks in pavements and patios. They multiply rapidly and can make outdoor spaces look untidy. Fortunately, there are effective methods to eliminate them without resorting to harsh chemicals or hours of manual scraping.
Gardener's Foolproof Hack
On the Gardening Tips UK Facebook page, gardener Sandra Adams shared her preferred technique. She posted: 'Just thought I'd share the foolproof hack I use in my clients' gardens to get rid of weeds. I usually don't go for natural ingredients, but this specific family had a lot of dogs.'
She continued: 'I bought some horticultural vinegar and just used that across all the weeds they had in the paving. The weeds were gone within hours, and shrivelled up instantly.'
What Is Horticultural Vinegar?
Horticultural vinegar is a concentrated acetic acid solution, typically containing 10-20% acetic acid. This makes it significantly stronger than household vinegar, rendering it an effective weed killer. However, it will destroy any plant it comes into contact with, so care must be taken to avoid applying it near desired plants.
Sandra added: 'It was so cheap, too. I got around 5L for under £5, and I don't think I'll use anything besides this and my hands to get rid of weeds again.'
Community Response
The post garnered numerous responses from fellow gardeners. Some were unaware that horticultural vinegar was readily available, while others expressed gratitude. Tim Johnson remarked: 'I saw some of this in the garden centre the other day, so I'll be going back there to pick it up.' An anonymous group member commented: 'I have just got the keys to my new house, and it is covered in weeds. I'll try this tip, thanks so much.'
Application Tips
To apply horticultural vinegar properly, always follow the manufacturer's guidelines. Some products need to be diluted, while others can be used straight away. It is best to apply on a sunny day for faster results.
Alternative Methods
Other ways to get rid of weeds include manually pulling them up and pouring boiling water or salt on them. However, as with vinegar, it is important not to let salt or boiling water come into contact with any nearby plants, as they can also damage them.
