29 September 2023 , 09:32
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Some weeds are so resilient that you'll find yourself digging and pulling them out repeatedly throughout the spring all the way to autumn. However, a lot of people are reluctant to use harsh weedkillers you can buy in the shops in their gardens, because some research shows that inorganic weed killers can be toxic.
This expert tip is inexpensive and uses only household items that you will most likely already have: it's perfect for anyone trying to minimise their consumption and be more environmentally friendly whilst still tackling the most stubborn of weeds and keeping your garden clear for you to enjoy.
Particularly in some of formulations, a number of weedkillers available in the shops have been shown to be more toxic than their active ingredient alone: glyphosate. This ingredient is controversial because it has been linked to a number of cancer cases in the United States. There is also research to suggest that glyphosate can "adversely affect honey bees," according to Gardener's World.
Understandable then, if you'd rather err on the side of caution and opt for something homemade and potentially a little better for your garden's ecosystem. An expert, Jonathan Creber from Modern Garden Rooms, recommends this incredibly simple recipe as a DIY weed killer: vinegar, dish soap and salt.
Creber recommends mixing about a "pint of white vinegar with five teaspoons of salt and around a third of a teaspoon of dish soap into a spray bottle and spray the base of any unsightly weeds."
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This isn't the only option you've got when it comes to homemade weed killers. If the weeds that are bothering you are mostly springing up between cracks on paving or paths, Gardener's World recommends simply pouring boiling water on them, but they advise taking care not to let it get on plants you're sure you want to keep. They also advise that you can use a ready-squeezed bottle of lemon juice on weeds found in paving, because they don't like citric acid and it will make them "shrivel up".
Keen gardeners looking to minimise weeds in their green space will also appreciate a couple of other tips from Creber, who recommends both making your own mulch and adding potted to keep the invasive plants at bay.
"Potted plants are the answer for those looking to introduce versatility and ease into their garden. They not only allow gardeners to play around with arrangements, but they also simplify tasks like weeding," he says. "The ability to move these pots means plants can always get optimal sunlight, and with less soil surface, there's a reduced chance of weeds. This mobile feature also lets you revamp the look of your garden whenever the mood strikes."
When it comes to making your own mulch that can improve your soil health and keep weeds away, Creber says of this incredible horticural multitasker: "Mulch, a gardener's secret weapon, is a material spread atop the soil. It is used to conserve moisture, improve soil health, and combat weed growth. Mulches are made from many things, such as straw, wood chips, plastic and even rubber, but an eco-friendly, cost-effective tip is to use banana peels.
"Place the banana peels on the soil and cover them with an organic mulch, such as compost or wood chips. As they decompose, they enrich the soil, boosting plant health and reducing watering frequency."
Do you agree? Let us know in the comments below.