The Spring Equinox is the perfect time to banish those pesky weeds
Today is the first day of spring (March 20) as the Spring Equinox signals the start of the season in the northern hemisphere.
From today, daylight hours will increase and nights will become shorter which means time spent out in the garden is a given providing the Scottish weather plays ball.
But before you can enjoy your outdoor space again, you will be thinking of sprucing it it after months of winter has taken its toll. And one place to start is banishing weeds from your patio.
These weeds will have crept up and leave your garden looking unsightly. But they can be destroyed with just three kitchen cupboard ingredients and without the need for toxic chemicals. LeAnne Samuelson, a gardening expert at Prestige Botanicals, swears by a homemade remedy that requires just a few easy-to-find ingredients: white vinegar, salt, and washing-up liquid.
She said: “With the warmer weather on its way, those pesky invaders will start popping up in every nook and cranny, especially around your patio slabs.
“Weeds can be particularly stubborn when they take root in the cracks between your patio stones, making them tricky to deal with.”
But don’t worry, you don’t need harsh chemicals that could be harmful to kids, pets, or wildlife.
LeAnne shared her formula to say goodbye to these weeds, explaining: “To whip up this eco-friendly solution, start by filling an empty spray bottle with one litre of white vinegar. Next, add three heaping tablespoons of salt, and stir it all together.
“Then, toss in three teaspoons of washing-up liquid, which acts as a binder to make sure the mixture sticks to the leaves of the weeds. It’s simple, effective, and perfect for a chemical-free garden.
She explained how the three items works to kill off the adding: “The vinegar and salt work to dehydrate the weeds, while the washing-up liquid ensures the solution clings to the leaves, getting to work more efficiently.”
Timing is key when tackling this job however and LeAnne said you should wait until you have a dry, sunny day and there’s been no rain for a while, to set about spraying the weeds.
She added: “After spraying, give it about an hour to work its magic before rinsing it off with a bucket of boiling water.
“The boiling water will help neutralise the solution, and it’s gentle on your garden while still getting the job done.”
One of the best parts of this DIY weed killer is that it’s completely safe for your family and local wildlife. Unlike chemical-based weedkillers, this solution won’t harm pets or children who may wander into your garden.
If you want a quick fix immediately for the patio weeds, all you need to do is boil your kettle.
She explained: “If you’re careful, simply pouring boiling water directly onto weeds can kill them off in a day or two. Just be sure to avoid splashing your feet.”
If you find you are dealing with stubborn weeds you can use lemon juice to kill them off once and for all.
That’s because the citric acid in lemon juice acts as a natural herbicide, causing the weeds to shrivel and die.
“It’s a little-known trick, but it’s surprisingly effective,” said LeAnne.
