How to banish weeds from your driveway using three cheap items already in your cupboard – including a 35p Tesco buy
KEEPING pesky weeds at bay is a common concern for many Brits and people around the world.
Whether they’re taking over your patio, garden or driveway, not only can weeds ruin the overall aesthetic – but also out-compete more desirable plants, using up water, sunlight and nutrients.
However, if you don’t want to fork out a fortune for special store-bought products and want to stick to a more natural approach, gardening fans have come to rescue with an easy remedy.
The best part? Not only is the hack purse-friendly and straightforward, you most likely already have the necessary ingredients in your cupboard.
According to them, as reported by The Express, you will need a 35p buy from Tesco – white vinegar – as well as salt.
Wondering how to make a homemade weed killer with these two kitchen staples, one gardening enthusiast asked for some tips on social media.
Carley Meadow said: “Hi, I’ve got white vinegar and salt.
”How do you apply them to weeds on a gravel driveway? Are they mixed together?”
For white vinegar and salt to tackle pesky gravel weeds, fellow gardening fans insisted you also needed a third element – washing-up liquid.
One person replied: “You must add washing-up liquid to it for the salt and vinegar to stick to the weeds.”
Someone else chimed in: “Mix the vinegar and salt with dish soap as that’s what helps them grab onto the weeds and kill them for good.”
“Salt, vinegar and washing up liquid. They say the soap clings to the weeds, kills them quicker,” another explained.
Offering a helping hand by sharing the exact measurements for the DIY weed killer, a social media user noted: “One gallon of white vinegar, one cup of salt and one tablespoon of dish soap.
“Spray directly onto weeds. This is for areas such as gravel drives and patio paths only as it poisons the soil,” the gardening enthusiast instructed.
Like with any new treatment, it’s best to test it first, ideally on a smaller area to ensure the homemade remedy doesn’t cause any damage.
According to the gardening fans, this weed killer works will perform best on a dry, sunny day and the mixture should be applied at midday when the sun is at its peak.
Keep pests out all summer
Hornets and wasps – hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay.
Moths – acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent.
Flying ants – herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents.
Mosquitoes – plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mossies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass.
Before you start spray the DIY concoction, gardeners should give the weeds a shake – this will remove any teeny insects and avoid harming them.
For smaller weeds and dandelions, spray the remedy directly onto the leaves.
Meanwhile, for larger weeds, cover the leaves, whilst also pouring a good amount onto the plant.
After an hour or so, gardeners should notice the weeds beginning to wilt.