Garden expert Alan Titchmarsh has revealed a simple, chemical-free technique for killing weeds on gravel driveways and patios, using only sunlight and a common garden tool. The method, shared in an online video, involves using a Dutch hoe to slice weeds at their base, then leaving the uprooted plants exposed to the sun to dry out and die.
According to Titchmarsh, the key is to separate the weed from its roots so that it 'cooks' once exposed to sunshine. He advises against digging with the hoe, instead skimming the surface to expose as much of the root as possible to the drying rays of the sun. This technique works best on a warm day, when the blazing sun can completely dry out the plant.
For gravel surfaces, simply run the hoe across the area to cut the weeds, then leave them where they fall. For patios and terraces, Titchmarsh recommends using a patio knife instead of a hoe, as hoes can chip stone slabs. The knife should be run carefully along the joints between paving stones, allowing the weeds to fall and be dried out by the sun.
This method is presented as an effective alternative to chemical weedkillers, which can harm the environment and local wildlife. Titchmarsh notes that weeds often regrow within weeks if only the visible plant is removed, but this technique targets the roots by exposing them to sunlight.
