Banish weeds from your garden naturally with these two methods that cost pennies

18 February 2024 , 08:00

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Clearing weeds can be a time-consuming business, which is why so many reach for the weedkiller - but there are alternative, more natural, ways to get rid of them (Image: Getty Images)

Before reaching for the weedkiller, you might be surprised to learn there are two very effective ways to get rid of the pesky problem naturally.

A common bugbear for many gardeners, eliminating unwanted plants needn't necessarily mean using chemicals, which can leach into the soil, contaminating groundwater and harming beneficial creatures such as earthworms.

Hannah Rowson, a gardening expert at J.Parker's, has two simple tricks up her sleeve for tackling the age-old problem, and both are gloriously simple, cheap and - most importantly - natural.

"You can kill off weeds by pouring boiled water from your kettle over them," she explained. "Be careful not to splash your toes, of course! The hot water shocks the plant, killing it within a day or two."

This method works remarkably well for patio weeds, but Hannah says you do need to be careful when trying this method in the garden as any stray boiling water can easily harm other plants. If you're unsure about using boiling water, Hannah recommends using vinegar as a safe and effective alternative. She explained: "Vinegar is full of acetic acid, which is a natural bacteria killer.

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"It's a great way of killing back any unwanted weeds that are siloed and aren't surrounded by wanted plants."

Hannah advised: "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 said. "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."

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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."

Top ten most common UK garden weeds

1. Chickweed

2. Fat Hen

3. Groundsel

4. Couch Grass

'Aggressive' garden plants to avoid - or risk damage to your home

5. Goosegrass

6. Dandelions

7. Hairy Bittercress

8. Prickly Milk Thistle

9. Oxalis

10. Bugloss

Paul Speed