All-natural method 'works better' than 'toxic' weedkiller to clear patios and driveways
The method works on patios and driveways, but should not be used on your garden.
Weeds can spring up between patios and paving stones and ruin the appearance of your outdoor area. But instead of reaching for a shop-bought weed-killing solution, some gardeners have revealed an alternative that doesn't include any toxic chemicals.
In a Reddit forum dedicated to weed-killing hacks, an anonymous user claimed boiling water works well on its own to banish unwanted weeds.
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They explained: "Don't use toxic [substances] to kill your weeds. Just use boiling water. It works better and instantly kills the weeds."
They explained: "You can't use it in the middle of your lawn, but along your walkway, in cracks, your driveway, or wherever you want to kill vegetation."
The method might sound a little too good to be true, however, there is anecdotal evidence out there to suggest that boiling water can do the trick. According to experts from Gardening Know How, the boiling water hack works effectively by "scalding" weeds to the point that they can not grow back.
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However, just like using a chemical-based weed-killing solution, if there are other plants or grass in the vicinity that you don't want to damage, you should be careful only to target the weeds you want to kill. This is why it is a great option for patios and driveways.
The Gardening Know How experts state: "A tea kettle with a spout and a heatproof handle can be an invaluable asset when using this method to kill weeds.
"The spout allows us to direct the flow of water right on the weeds, while the kettle retains most of the heat.
"Pour slowly, especially if there is grass nearby or ornamental plants that might be damaged. Pour generously, but don’t waste it. There are likely many more weeds to kill off."
Hot water works better on broad-leaf weeds than it does on perennials, woody plants or grass weeds, according to experts from the University of California Integrated Pest Management Online.
For flowering weeds, such as dandelions, it may be less effective as more hot water is needed to reach and kill the root of the plant.
For the best results, Gardening Know How's experts suggest pruning off most of the foliage at the top of the weed, before applying hot water to tackle the root.
