WEED 'EM OUT
I’m a paving expert & I swear by a 65p Asda buy to banish weeds – there’s no effort involved and they won’t grow back
Scroll down for more cheap weed hacks, as well as how to get rid of dandelions
THERE’S nothing more annoying than spending ages cleaning your patio, only for pesky weeds to keep cropping up.
And if you plan on having guests over to enjoy the sunshine in your garden this summer, and want to ensure that there are no weeds in sight, then you’ve come to the right place.
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Weeds growing through the cracks of paving stones can make any home look unkempt, regardless of how many beautiful plants or garden accessories you have.
And while the task of pulling out weeds can be irritating, and also a nuisance for your back, thankfully, we’ve found a simple solution to removing the unwanted plants.
Typical go-to methods to remove weeds, aside from pulling them out from the ground by hand, include pouring boiling hot water over them, or using white vinegar.
But luckily for you, experts at , have revealed another simple yet highly effective solution.
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And don't worry, if the cost of living crisis has meant that your purse feels tighter than ever, then this is great for you.
Thanks to paving experts, you'll only need to spend 65p with this brilliant trick.
The experts explained: "Saltwater is another effective homemade weed killer.”
They advised: "Just make a solution of three parts water with one part salt."
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The idea is to make the saltwater solution and, using a spray bottle, to carefully spray the weeds with the DIY mixture.
The experts added: "The salt will dry out the plant and kill it.
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"For an even more effective weed-killing process, sprinkle some dry salt on hardy weeds to hasten the drying-out process."
If you fancy giving this trick a try and are running low on salt, you can buy 750g table salt for only 65p from Asda, making this trick perfect for those on a budget.
What is a weed? And why are they important?
Simply put, a weed is a plant that grows in an area or space you don't want it to.
Rebecca Miller, Fabulous' Associate Editor, and keen gardener, explains why gardeners need to become friends with weeds.
"From nettles, buttercups, docks and dandelions - there are so many wonderful plants that are called weeds. And yet, as soon as the weather warms up, and we spend more time in outside, we want to pluck, pull and kill as many of them as possible, to make our gardens look perfect and pristine.
"Weeds are essential to our ecosystem - many are pollinators, providing food to bees, bats, beetles, butterflies, moths and wasps. And without weeds, these animals wouldn't survive past early Spring.
"Weeds also give back to nature - when they die and decay, their roots break down, feed microorganisms and insects, and make pathways and tunnels for worms. Bountiful life below means plentiful life above.
"Weeds are also brilliant indicators of soil health - which is important if you want to grow anything in your outdoor space. When microorganisms and insects break down weeds, they release essential nutrients into the soil that plants soak up. They also store nitrogen and carbon dioxide in the ground, creating cleaner air and removing greenhouse gasses from the atmosphere, mitigating the climate crisis.
"So before you pull out every weed in your garden, why not give a few of them a chance to grow and bloom, and see what enters your garden to enjoy the flowers..."
Not only this, but to prevent further weed growth, the experts advised sweeping the patio often.
The pros recommended: "Typically, weed seeds are blown or fall onto the gaps. When left in place, the seeds sprout and grow.
More weed hacks
MORE cheap hacks to banish weeds from your garden for good.
BRUSH OFF: Gardening fans have raved about the Rolson Weed Brush, which you can buy from B&M.
One social media user commented: "This is my new friend. £4 from B&M", whilst a second agreed: "I used one of these too and it's brilliant. It removes the whole weed too."
BAKE IT: Gardening enthusiasts have also praised baking soda for tackling weeds.
One man explained: ''What will then happen is the plants will absorb it, as they get damp when it starts to rain because they're thirsty - because it's been sunny. That's nature's way of killing it.''
WASH THIS: According to Sam Marlow, a gardening expert, washing powder is an affordable way to say goodbye to weeds.
He advised: "If you’re on a budget, there’s a cheap way to keep weeds at bay. If you want to remove persistent unwanted plants from paths or patios, try using washing powder. It’s a super easy way to banish weeds once and for all.”
"If you sweep the patio of pavement often, the seeds will not find ample time to grow."
Not only this, but the experts also shared that using polymeric sand between the gaps in stones and pavements is also recommended.
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The paving pros shared: "The sand consists of super-fine particles coated with an additive like silica as the binding agent when it comes in contact with water.
"This forms a better seal between the slabs and stone, preventing weed growth."
How to actually get rid of dandelions
GETTING rid of dandelions can be a challenging task, as they are hardy and can spread quickly.
Here are some effective methods to help you control and eliminate dandelions from your lawn or garden:
Manual Removal
- Pulling by Hand: Use a dandelion weeder or a similar tool to dig out the entire root system. It's crucial to remove as much of the root as possible to prevent regrowth. This method works best after a rain when the soil is moist and easier to work with.
- Mowing: Regularly mowing your lawn can prevent dandelions from going to seed. However, this won't eliminate the roots.
Chemical Control
- Herbicides: Selective broadleaf herbicides can be effective against dandelions without harming your grass. Look for products containing 2,4-D, dicamba, or MCPP. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and apply during the growing season for the best results.
- Pre-emergent Herbicides: These can prevent dandelion seeds from germinating. Apply them in early spring before seeds start to sprout.
Natural Remedies
- Boiling Water: Pouring boiling water directly on dandelions can kill them. This method is best for small infestations and should be used with caution to avoid damaging nearby plants.
- Vinegar: Household vinegar (acetic acid) can be used as a natural herbicide. Spray it directly on the dandelions, but be aware that it can also harm surrounding plants and grass.
- Mulching: Apply a thick layer of mulch around garden beds to prevent dandelion seeds from germinating.
Remember that persistence is key. Dandelions have a robust root system and can be quite resilient, so it may take multiple seasons of effort to significantly reduce their presence.
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