A gardener has revealed a simple homemade weed killer made from three common household ingredients that can eliminate weeds from patios and driveways. Glen, who manages a site with 80 allotment plots, described the mixture as "effective" and "really cheap" in a video for his YouTube channel, Veggie Patch Ideas.
Ingredients and Method
Glen explained that you need a spray bottle, washing-up liquid, table salt, and white vinegar. He recommended distilled white vinegar with around five percent acidity but noted that any white vinegar works. "The only thing you may need to buy is white vinegar," he said. He advised choosing the cheapest option.
To make the mixture, place a funnel in the spray bottle and pour in the entire bottle of vinegar. Add one and a half tablespoons of salt and roughly the same amount of washing-up liquid. Glen stressed that accuracy is not crucial; the washing-up liquid helps the solution stick to the leaves. Screw the trigger back on and shake well, being careful not to get any in your eyes.
Application and Results
Glen tested the weed killer on bindweed, dousing the affected area. Three days later, the weed had dried out and turned brown. He also sprayed weeds growing between cracks in his block paving, which he described as an "absolute mess." After a few days, the weeds had died back significantly, improving the area's appearance.
Glen advised applying the mixture during several consecutive dry days, as rain can wash it away and reduce effectiveness.
Alternative Natural Method
Ground Force legend Alan Titchmarsh also shared a natural technique to tackle weeds without chemicals. He suggested using a garden hoe on a sunny day. "What you are trying to do with your Dutch hoe is separate the weed from its roots and that way it will cook once it's exposed to sunshine," he said. He emphasized skimming rather than digging to expose the weed roots to the sun's drying rays.
