Are you tired of seeing weeds sprouting in your garden? The unwanted plants can be difficult to keep at bay especially if they’re not regularly removed.
If you’re running out of ways to get rid of them, look no further.
To help you out, Hannah Rowson, a gardening expert at J.Parker’s, has shared some ways you can get rid of weeds permanently.
So, if you’ve got weeds growing in your garden or patio, you can try these tips.
How to get rid of weeds permanently using things around the house
Boil a kettle
Boiling water can be helpful when it comes to getting rid of weeds permanently with Hannah saying: “You can kill off weeds by pouring boiled water from your kettle over them. Being careful not to splash your toes, of course!
“The hot water shocks the plant, killing it within a day or two.”
You should also be careful of your other plants around the garden when using boiling water.
Hannah added: “Using boiled water is much easier to do for patio weeds, but exercise caution when trying this in the garden. As the boiling water can damage neighbouring plants in a border display.”
Food cupboard essentials
Vinegar is an item lots of UK households will have in their kitchen cupboards and it can be used for more than flavouring your fish and chips.
“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.
“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”, Hannah says.
The gardening expert at J.Parker's adds: “You can also try using lemon juice, as it contains citric acid which can cause weeds to shrivel.”
Know what type of weeds you have
There are different types of weeds and it’s worth knowing which you’re dealing with.
“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. They might spring up quickly, but they can be removed just as quickly too”, says Hannah.
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She explains: “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!”
Hannah says you can use an app or website to help you decide which type of weed you’re dealing with.
Be careful with existing bulbs
Hannah stresses that you should be careful you don’t unearth plant bulbs, saying: “Perennial weeds are best dug up, which is easily done with a trowel or garden fork. Make sure you lift the entire root system, though. Anything left behind will grow again!
“If you’re using this technique, take care not to accidentally dig up or disturb any wanted plant bulbs.”
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Stop weeds from seeding
Hannah says: “Frequently mowing your lawn is one of the best ways of keeping weeds at bay. This helps to weaken them, and also stops them from setting seed, which in turn, stops them from reappearing.”
Use elbow grease
Hannah says you can also use a bit of elbow grease and pull the weeds out of the ground yourself.
She says: “You can keep it simple with a garden fork and some elbow grease, or a weed lifting tool for ease.”
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