I’m a paving expert, why you should never use vinegar to kill patio weeds & the FREE trick that works way better
WHETHER they’re peeping through your drive or taking over your lawn, pesky weeds are nothing but an eyesore.
From egg shells to weeding tools, we’ve all heard plenty of suggestions on the best cheap and cheerful ways to prevent them returning for good.
But according to patio expert Simon Wardle from Armstrong Cheshire, there’s one popular method that should totally be avoided on certain types of weeds – and that’s vinegar.
“This is not always advisable, as the acid can damage the surface of the stones, particularly limestone or concrete pavers, as well as being harmful to wildlife and plants,” he says, speaking to The Express.
Instead, the patio whizz has revealed his super clever trick that he swears by – and perhaps the best part of all? It’s totally free.
Going on to share his “perfection solution,” Simon suggests that simply pour boiling water from your kettle over weeds “will remove unsightly weeds from your patio this summer – for free.”
This is not always advisable, as the acid can damage the surface of the stones, particularly limestone or concrete pavers, as well as being harmful to wildlife and plants
Simon Wardle
He continues: “This targeted method not only means your patio will end up weed-free, but it ensures there’s no damage to your patio, or the environment, as there is no leftover residue left around.”
And according to the gardening whizz, you’ll see results within a matter of minutes, with the full results taking just one hour to show.
So, how exactly does it work?
Well, the boiling water “scalds the weeds by killing the leaves,” which is the part of the plant that receives light and encourages them to grow and gain strength.
He also went onto say that the hot water also seeps into the cracks, which essentially loosens and shocks the taproot.
But while the patio guru says this method is effective for getting rid of weeds that appear on your patio, driveway or gravel, there are two places where it should be totally avoided.
He urged homeowners to steer clear of using boiling water on lawn weeds because the soaring temperatures may remove protective layers on the leave.
He also notes not to apply boiling water on weeds near to other garden plants because this may in turn damage them, too.
May gardening jobs
The Sun's Gardening Editor, Veronica Lorraine, has shared the tasks you need to crack on with in May.
GARDEN growth can go from nought to ninety in May, depending on the weather. The last UK frosts are generally seen at the beginning of the month, so all of a sudden there’s so much more to do and grow.
Plant out dahlia tubers
It’s a joy to finally plant out your dahlia tubers. Remember how big they can get – and space accordingly – anything up to half a metre apart.
It’s a good idea to put your support stakes in now instead of trying to work around them.
And make sure you include lots of well rotted manure or decent compost to feed it and then mulch to keep it moist and suppress weeds. They generally start blooming in July.
Final feed to Spring flowers
You can give a cheeky feed to all your remaining tulips and daffodils.
Although the majority of bulbs aren’t guaranteed to come back year after year any more, as long as you’ve left them to die back naturally there’s a good chance they’ll have stored enough energy to come back again. Tomato feed is fine.
Tie up climbers
Your clematis, honeysuckle and rambling roses should be well on their way by now – try to use plastic free string to tie them back into their support, or tuck them round each other to make sure they don’t sprout off in crazy directions.
Feed the lawn
It’s not too late to give your lawn a good feed.
Whether you use granular or liquid, it can give it a good boost to see it through the harsher summer months.
While mowing, don’t go too low with your cut length yet and never take more than a third off the grass height.
Get creative
It’s also time to get creative with hanging baskets and pots.
Trailing pelargoniums, which a lot of people call geraniums, and Begonias are a good, low cost way of getting lovely returning blooms throughout the summer in your baskets.
And pots can be planted with spring bulbs.
Don’t forget the greenhouse!
Give your greenhouse a good tidy and clean the glass inside and out.
The improved light will help plants grow quicker inside and tidying is good for the soul.
You can just use a household white wine vinegar and water solution – or even neat if you’re feeling spendy – which gives a really good shine.