A 90p bottle of lemon juice from Sainsbury's proved effective at killing patio weeds naturally, without the need for harsh chemicals, vinegar, or salt. The technique, recommended by Gardener's World magazine, uses the citric acid in lemons to make weeds wither.
Testing the lemon juice method
Weeds are a persistent problem in UK gardens, returning quickly and thriving in various weather conditions. The author of the article faced numerous weeds emerging on her patio this summer, particularly in tiny gaps between paving stones. She avoided chemical weed killers due to environmental concerns, having previously tested vinegar and boiling water with some success.
After learning about the lemon juice method from Gardener's World, she purchased a 250ml bottle of lemon juice from Sainsbury's for 90p, finding it simpler than squeezing lemons by hand. The technique works best on paths, paving, pavements, and driveways.
Results depend on sunny conditions
The initial test on an overcast day showed little change in the weed. However, when she repeated the process on a bright day, the weed withered away within a few hours. The sunshine appeared to enhance the lemon juice's effectiveness, and rainfall would rinse the juice off, so dry conditions are essential.
Gardener's World advised that homemade weed killers are not as powerful as glyphosate or other commercial products. The magazine recommended multiple applications over several weeks, as one dose may not fully kill the weed. It also stressed spraying on a dry day to prevent rain from washing the solution away.
How to apply lemon juice to weeds
To use this method, squeeze five lemons or use a bottle of ready-squeezed lemon juice. Pour the juice directly onto the weed, soaking the foliage and directing some towards the roots. Leave it in sunlight and check after a few hours. If the weed hasn't dried up, apply more juice on a dry, sunny day.
