I’ve dedicated years to gardening at prestigious estates – my two-ingredient old-school remedy will get rid of weeds
ORGANIC old school remedies are a better alternative than readily available commercial weed killers, says an expert.
He revealed that many available to buy contain glyphosate, a chemical linked to health concerns and environmental issues.
From keeping your garden attractive to ensuring plants receive the nutrients they need to survive, weeds need to be tackled.
Tony Williams has dedicated years to nurturing gardens and is now the Estate Manager at Mount Ephraim Country House & Gardens in Kent, UK.
He said managing weeds is an “ongoing battle” but he always focuses on organic approaches.
He revealed to The U.S. Sun the tips he swears by for protecting the environment and “preserving the integrity” of your garden.
HOME REMEDIES
Williams said “old school” weed killers are effective at controlling weeds without harmful chemicals.
Three of his homemade remedies use ingredients that most people already have.
“Salt and vinegar solution,” he said.
“Mix four liters of vinegar, 250 grams of salt, and a tablespoon of soap for a potent weed killer.
“This mixture disrupts plant cells, degrades tissue, and the soap ensures it sticks to the plant.
“Lemon Juice – the citric acid in lemons can cause weeds to wither.
“Whether freshly squeezed or from a bottle, lemon juice is a simple, natural herbicide.
“Boiling water – ideal for paths and paving, pouring boiling water on weeds can kill them instantly without harming nearby plants.”
“Rubbing alcohol – dilute two tablespoons of rubbing alcohol in 1 liter of water,” he continued.
“Spray this solution on weeds to induce water loss and effectively kill them, taking care to avoid surrounding desirable plants.”
Focus on removing them early, especially notorious ones like dandelions to prevent seeds from scattering.
Tony Williams
Williams said weeds between paving slabs and on driveways can be scorched using a flame gun.
The foliage must be dry when using the method and there should be enough time for the heat to penetrate deep-rooted weeds.
HAND-PICKING
The gardening expert acknowledges that hand-picking weeds can be time-consuming and exhausting.
However, he believes it’s “incredibly effective” and doing it regularly before weeds flower can help to “significantly reduce” their population over time.
“Focus on removing them early, especially notorious ones like dandelions, to prevent seeds from scattering,” he said.
Williams added that mulching is a “cornerstone” of organic weed control but needs to be done early in the season.
He recommends mulching in late March or early April before annual weed seeds germinate.
Easy gardening tips to save money, maximize space, and repel pests
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- Banana peels, vinegar, and coffee grounds are often recommended as natural fertilizers.
- Dollar Tree sells four packs of seeds for $1.25.
- Try a vertical planter like Amazon’s Mr. Stacky 5 Tier Stackable Planter, $35 to make more use of a small space.
- Use netting like the Garden Netting Pest Barrier, $8, from Amazon to keep away bugs that eat your vegetables.
- Try sacrificial planting to reduce the use of pesticides and keep pests away from your garden. Deliberately growing certain plants to attract agricultural pests can keep them away from the plants you want to protect. Examples include marigolds, lavender, catnip, and chives.
- For pesky weeds in your garden, the Grampa’s Weeder – The Original Stand-Up Weed Puller Tool with Long Handles, $45, from Amazon is a helpful tool you can use without having to bend over.
According to RHS, mulching is “loose coverings or sheets of material placed on the surface of the soil.”
It can help to retain moisture in the soil, suppress weeds, provide nutrients, and deter some pests.
“Preparation matters,” Williams said.
“Removing all existing weeds before mulching is key to keeping them at bay. Simply covering them with mulch won’t suffice.
“Use weed-free mulch from a reliable source.
“Straw is preferable to hay, as it’s typically weed-free and an excellent option for suppressing weeds.
“Bark mulch is a great option for use as a weed suppressant.
“Applying a thick layer of bark mulch to your borders deprives weeds of light, which they’ll need to germinate and thrive.
“When applied correctly, a good quality bark mulch leaves your garden with a tidy finish, acts as a great soil improver, and helps lock in that much-needed moisture during the summer.
“Avoid using grass clippings treated with herbicides or chemical fertilizers. A layer of two to three inches of mulch is sufficient.”
“Opting for organic weed control methods not only benefits your garden but also contributes to a healthier environment,” he added.
“By employing techniques such as hand weeding, mulching, and the use of home remedies, you can manage weeds effectively without resorting to harsh chemicals.”