When the summer season blossoms, we all may hope to kick back in our gardens with a cool drink, but often find ourselves waging war against rampant weeds that can swiftly turn our havens into a wild mess. Weeds thrive during the warm weather, sprouting back relentlessly even after recent removal.
Gravel paths, patios, and driveways are particularly prone to weed infestations, where the heated stones act as incubators, accelerating their growth through a ‘mini greenhouse’ effect. However, battling these intruders doesn’t need expensive, chemical-laden concoctions, according to the green-fingered gurus at William James & Co.
They suggested a simple combination of baking soda and boiling water as an eco-friendly solution. The gardening experts recommended: “Baking soda for k.illing weeds is a popular method due to it being highly alkaline and its high salt content, making it effective at dehydrating and k.illing weeds.”
The horticultural expert remarked: “Boiling water destroys weeds’ cell structures by causing thermal shock. For larger weeds, it may require a few applications, but this is definitely a cheap and effective method.”
Eliminating the persistent vegetation from amidst pebbles and pavers poses a significant hurdle because of the fact that targeting the roots is quite taxing, resulting in the weed’s regular resurgence unless appropriately tackled, reports the Express.
Yet, bicarbonate of soda changes the pH of the weed’s environment, preventing it from photosynthesising or absorbing nutrients. Boiling water can reach every crevice in order to remove the entire plant by scalding it, preventing future growth.
This is a natural and highly effective method for removing any weeds sprouting in unexpected areas of your garden using items you likely already have in your kitchen.
How to naturally get rid of weeds
Before you start, make sure that it’s a sunny and dry day as rain or windy weather can cool down the boiling water, making it less effective. Then, simply sprinkle a generous amount of bicarbonate of soda on the weeds, and boil the kettle.
Carefully take the kettle outside and pour it directly onto the weed. Note: Don’t splash any of the water since it could harm nearby plants or grass.
In case there are any weeds in gravel or cracks, pour some extra bicarbonate of soda on top of the area after pouring the boiling water to help prevent new growth.
If there are any weeds growing on your lawn or flowerbeds, avoid this method. Instead, try mulching them with grass cuttings, as this is a better way to smother them without damaging your garden.
