Before you grab the weedkiller, hold up – there are two surprisingly effective natural methods to rid your garden of those tenacious intruders. Battling weeds doesn't always have to involve harsh chemicals that can mess with your soil and harm critters like earthworms. Gardening expert Hannah Rowson from J. Parker's has got a couple of neat hacks for dealing with this green-fingered gripe - and they're both straightforward, economical and crucially, eco-friendly.
"You can kill off weeds by pouring boiled water from your kettle over them," she said. "Be careful not to splash your toes, of course! The hot water shocks the plant, killing it within a day or two.". This boiling water trick is especially ace for patio weeds, but Hannah cautions to be mindful in the garden – any misdirected scalding splashes could inadvertently damage your prized plants. And if the thought of handling boiling water makes you antsy, why not give vinegar a go? Hannah suggests: "Vinegar is full of acetic acid, which is a natural bacteria killer.".
"It's a great way of killing back any unwanted weeds that are siloed and aren't surrounded by wanted plants." Hannah suggested: "Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and spritz them fully, getting as close to the roots as you can. Regular vinegar also does the trick, helping you to get rid of weeds permanently. "You can also try using lemon juice, as it contains citric acid which can cause weeds to shrivel. Like any plant, weeds can be annual or perennial. Annual weeds are easier to get rid of, as they last just one year or season," Hannah explained.
"They might spring up quickly, but they can be removed just as quickly too. Perennial weeds are trickier, as they'll return year after year. They have deeper roots than their annual counterparts and if they're not removed, they'll just come back to mock you.". Identifying weeds can often prove difficult, so Hannah recommends using an app or online guide to assist you. The Royal Horticultural Society is a great place to start, while apps such as Leafsnap are adept at naming plants just from a photo.
To keep your grass green and healthy, lawn expert Hannah advises 'nipping weed problems in the bud'. She suggests regular mowing as an effective way of keeping weeds under control, explaining: "This helps to weaken them, and also stops them from setting seed, which in turn, stops them from reappearing.". 1. Chickweed. 2. Fat hen. 3. Groundsel. 4. Couch grass. 5. Goosegrass. 6. Dandelions. 7. Hairy bittercress. 8. Prickly milk thistle.
