Cracks between patio slabs and holes in gravel can trap moisture from rain – making them the perfect damp environment for weeds to flourish.
What’s more, gaps and holes usually receive enough sunlight to support weed growth… especially if the surrounding area is relatively open.
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So what do you do when you have pesky green plants sprouting from your beautiful patio?
Well, most of us would turn to a store-bought herbicide.
But according to online gardening fanatics, a homemade, chemical-free organic solution is even more effective.
All you need is distilled white vinegar, salt, and dish soap.
TikTok gardener Tomato Dave urged people to “stop buying commercial chemicals to kill your weeds” and make the three-ingredient potion yourself.
“I tried this natural remedy,” he said.
“I was impressed with how well it worked after just three hours.
“It was better than any other commercial herbicide I’ve tried.
“After three weeks, they still haven’t grown back.”
HOW IT WORKS?
The three-ingredient blend may sound too good to be true, but it’s actually SO effective.
Vinegar contains acetic acid – a natural herbicide that penetrates plant leaves and disrupts cell membranes.
This leads to dehydration and ultimately kills the nuisance plants.
The higher the concentration of acetic acid in vinegar, the more effective it tends to be as an herbicide.
Salt dehydrates weeds in a similar way when applied to the soil or leaves.
It can also have a lasting effect on the soil, making it less hospitable for future weed growth.
However, excessive use of salt can harm surrounding vegetation and affect soil fertility, so it is important to use it in moderation.
Dish soap is added to the mix primarily as a glue to hold the vinegar and salt together — with Tomato Dave saying its thick formula helps the spray “stay on the leaves.”
Gardening Tips and Tricks
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
