One simple method to remove weeds worked best
Weeds are a common problem in many gardens, and there are plenty of options for getting rid of them. Some gardeners turn to weed killers you can buy from shops, but these can contain chemicals and be expensive.
I have plenty of weeds sprouting up in my garden this year, so I decided to compare two popular natural methods to see which comes out on top. I made a natural weed killer at home with kitchen staples, and also used boiling water from my kettle.
The results impressed me, and I now have plenty of successful options that banish weeds. However, one method stood out more than the others.
Natural homemade weed killer
In a spray bottle, I mixed 500ml of white vinegar, two tablespoons of salt, and two tablespoons of washing-up liquid. I had all the items in my kitchen cupboard and had just finished a spray bottle, so I didn’t need to spend a penny to make my weed killer.
I headed outside and decided to test different parts of the patio. I made sure to give the weeds a good spray and left them alone until the next day.
When I returned to assess the results, I was stunned to find the weeds had shrivelled and died. I was then able to remove the weeds much more easily than if they were still alive.
The homemade weed killer was impressive, as it really doesn’t cost much to make and cuts out any harsh chemicals. Ensure you use the mixture on a sunny day so that rain won’t wash it away.
Blogger Moral Fibres also recommends it shouldn’t be used on weeds in soil, as it can make the area acidic, so it’s best for patio areas.
Boiling water
I then tested another popular way to naturally kill weeds: boiling water. I filled my kettle to the maximum level before taking it outside.
I poured boiling water on the patio weeds near the ones I had targeted with my homemade spray. It was quite hard to contain the hot water, so I took a step back before pouring.
I noticed the weeds started to shrivel almost immediately, but decided to return the next day to assess the results fully, just as I had with the spray.
The boiling water method certainly worked, as the weeds were browned and shrivelled when I returned.
The verdict
I was thoroughly impressed by both methods for removing weeds on my patio. The boiling water method is cheaper and simpler, but would require multiple trips back indoors to boil the kettle for larger areas.
It was the method that tackled weeds the quickest, so it’s ideal if you want to remove weeds fast and with minimal effort.
However, if you do have more time and a sunny day, I recommend the homemade weed killer. In my opinion, it wins because it was easier to direct the spray onto the weeds without boiling water running across the patio.
It also provided slightly better results overall, as I thought the weeds were more shrivelled. The bottle will last a while once it’s made, as I have used it across my patio and still have plenty left.
How to make homemade weed killer
Ingredients
- 500ml white vinegar, I got a litre from Sainsbury’s for 45p
- Two tbsp salt, 75p for a 750g bottle at Sainsbury’s
- Two tsp washing-up liquid, 62p for a 500ml bottle at Asda
- Spray bottle
Method
Either in the spray bottle or a jug, pour in the white vinegar and salt. Stir until dissolved. Add the washing-up liquid and stir well. If using a jug, pour the mixture into the spray bottle.
Remove any insects from the weed. Spray the mixture directly onto the weed’s leaves, giving it a good soak. If you have large weeds, you can pour some of the mixture onto the plant and spray the leaves.
The weeds will begin to wilt within a few hours. I left mine for 24 hours, and they had fully died back.
