It's the time to cherish the dog days of summer, but one eyesore proliferating under our very noses can ruin the view. Weeds pose a significant challenge in summer as warm weather offer the perfect circumstances for them to grow and reappear even when you've cleared them just weeks before.
They prove particularly vexing in gravel areas, patios, or driveways, where heat from the stone generates a miniature greenhouse environment that accelerates their development. Nevertheless, you needn't splash out on expensive products with strong chemicals to get rid of weeds. The gardening specialists at William James & Co have revealed that all you need is some bicarbonate of soda and scalding water.
The experts explained: "Baking soda for killing weeds is a popular method due to it being highly alkaline and its high salt content, making it effective at dehydrating and killing weeds."
"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."
Weeds growing through gravel are especially difficult to remove. If you fail to reach their roots, they'll simply regrow within weeks unless you're employing a thorough solution.
Bicarbonate of soda changes the pH of the weed's environment, preventing the plant from photosynthesising or absorbing nutrients. Following that with boiling water prevents future growth by reaching every crevice.
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.
Before starting, wait for a sunny and dry day to tackle weeds as any rain or windy weather can cool down the boiling water and make it less effective.
Then, simply sprinkle a generous amount of bicarbonate of soda on the weeds, and then boil the kettle.
Carefully take the kettle outside and pour it directly onto the weed. Be mindful not to splash any of the water as it could harm nearby plants or grass.
If there are any weeds in gravel or cracks, pour some extra bicarbonate of soda on top of the area after pouring the boiling water as this will also help prevent new growth.
If there are any weeds growing on your lawn or flowerbeds, avoid this method and instead try mulching them with grass cuttings as this is a better way to smother them without damaging your garden.
For larger weeds, you may need to pour more boiling water on the area after one day to ensure the roots are completely killed, but this method can help prevent weeds from sprouting in stonework.
This quick and simple method takes just minutes and helps stop weeds from growing, so you can spend less time on garden chores and more time enjoying your summer.
You may also like
Hartalika Teej Vrat 2025: Married women will keep this difficult fast in the month of Bhadrapada..
Chef cooks roast potatoes with duck fat and beef tallow then reveals clear winner
Gardening expert's clever tip to deter flies from coming into your home
5 U'khand Cong zila panchayat men 'abducted', HC seeks report
Donald Trump sparks horror fears for Ukraine as Putin demands land grab to end war