Weeds are a persistent issue in many gardens, and there's no shortage of methods for tackling them. While some gardeners opt for shop-bought weed killers, these can be costly and often contain harsh chemicals.
With numerous weeds appearing in my garden this year, I decided to put two popular natural approaches to the test to determine which proved most effective. I created a homemade weed killer using everyday kitchen ingredients, and also tried boiling water from the kettle.
The outcomes were impressive, and I now have several reliable techniques for eliminating weeds. That said, one approach proved particularly effective.
Homemade Natural Weed Killer
Using a spray bottle, I combined 500ml of white vinegar with two tablespoons of salt and two tablespoons of washing-up liquid. All the ingredients were already in my kitchen cupboard, and I'd just emptied a spray bottle, meaning the experiment cost me absolutely nothing.
I went outside and chose different sections of the patio for testing. I ensured the weeds received a thorough coating and left them undisturbed until the following day.
Upon returning to check the results, I was amazed to discover the weeds had withered and died. This made removing them far easier than it would have been had they remained alive.
The homemade weed killer proved highly effective, particularly given its minimal cost and the absence of harsh chemicals. Just remember to apply the solution on a sunny day to prevent rain from washing it away.
Blogger Moral Fibres also advises against using it on weeds growing in soil, as it can increase acidity levels, making it better suited to patio areas.
Boiling Water
The next method put to the test was another widely popular natural approach to killing weeds: boiling water. A full kettle was taken outside and the boiling water poured directly onto the patio weeds, close to those already treated with the homemade spray.
Containing the hot water proved somewhat tricky, requiring a cautious step back before pouring.
The weeds began to shrivel almost instantly, though I returned the following day to properly assess the outcome, in the same way as with the spray.
The boiling water method proved effective, with the weeds visibly browned and shrivelled upon inspection the next day.
The Verdict
Both techniques proved highly impressive for tackling patio weeds. The boiling water approach is undoubtedly the more cost-effective and straightforward option, though clearing larger areas would require numerous trips back inside to re-boil the kettle.
It was the faster of the two methods, making it the go-to choice for those looking for a quick and effortless solution.
That said, if time allows and the weather is on your side, the homemade weed killer comes top. It edges ahead simply because it was far easier to direct the spray precisely onto the weeds, without hot water spilling across the patio.
It also delivered marginally superior results overall, leaving the weeds noticeably more shrivelled. Once the solution is prepared, the bottle goes a long way — with plenty remaining after treating an entire patio.
How to Make Homemade Weed Killer
Ingredients:
- 500ml white vinegar (45p for a litre from Sainsbury's)
- Two tbsp salt (75p for a 750g bottle at Sainsbury's)
- Two tsp washing-up liquid (62p for a 500ml bottle at Asda)
- Spray bottle
Method:
- Combine the white vinegar and salt in either a spray bottle or a jug, stirring until the salt has fully dissolved.
- Add the washing-up liquid and mix thoroughly.
- If you've used a jug, transfer the solution into a spray bottle.
- Check the weed for any insects and remove them before treatment.
- Apply the mixture directly to the leaves of the weed, ensuring they are thoroughly coated.
- For larger weeds, pour some of the solution onto the plant while also spraying the leaves directly.
- Within a few hours, the weeds should start to wilt. After leaving the solution to work for 24 hours, the weeds had completely died back.
