- Fabulous
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GREEN FINGERED
Plus, the top five spring gardening jobs
- Yasmin Harisha, Senior writer
NOW that spring has arrived, many homeowners are turning their attention to sprucing up their outdoor spaces.
For some, the first task is tackling unsightly weeds that have taken over patios and driveways.
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A viral hack has surfaced, offering a simple and affordable solution to remove weeds “for good” – without the hassle of pulling them out by hand.
While vinegar is often recommended for killing weeds due to its acidic properties, a cheaper and equally effective alternative has been shared by Dr. Janine Bowring on TikTok.
Her method involves mixing one part salt, available for just 40p from M&S, with two parts water.
After stirring the mixture, she pours it directly onto weeds that poke through cracks in driveways and pavements.
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Gardening expert Harry Bodell from PriceYourJob has also weighed in on the method, explaining that salt works by dehydrating weeds and disrupting their ability to absorb essential nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and calcium.
He says: “The disruption in nutrient uptake weakens the plant’s overall health, causing it to dry out from dehydration and die.”
Harry adds that salt prevents further weed growth by interfering with natural processes such as photosynthesis, leading to cell damage and dehydration.
He recommends lightly pouring the solution into gaps between paving slabs and targeting specific areas where weeds are emerging.
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For best results, Harry advises applying the solution on a dry day to prevent humidity or rain from washing it away.
He explains: “Overnight, the solution will work on drying out the plant to the root, making the weed easy to remove the next day.”
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However, Harry warns that while salt is effective at killing weeds, it can build up in the soil and affect the growth of other plants nearby.
He emphasises applying the solution only in areas where you’re certain it won’t harm other vegetation.
This budget-friendly hack could be a game-changer for those looking to reclaim their patios and driveways – but it’s essential to use it with care to avoid unintended damage to surrounding plants.
Top 5 Spring Gardening Jobs
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Nick Grey, Gtech Inventor and CEO shared the tasks to crack on with as Spring arrives.
1. Clean your garden
Make sure to clear away all leaves, soil and plant debris from your patios and flower beds; this creates a healthier environment for new growth, especially as we get into the summer months.Gtech’s Garden Safety Kitincludes durablegardeninggloves and safety glasses; perfect for comfortability whilst tackling those outdoor tasks.
2. Weeding
Early Spring is the best time to tackle weeds; if you can introduce some regular weeding into your routine, you can guarantee a tidy garden all year round.
3. Hedge maintenance
Spring is the ideal time to tidy up overgrown hedges and shrubs, as regular trimming ensures healthy growth and reduces pest issues. Using a tool like the Gtech Lightweight Hedge Trimmercan help to keep your greenery looking sharp and neat.
4. Composting
Starting a compost heap this spring is a pro-active, cost-effective way to harness nutritious soil for your plants and recycle organic waste that will benefit the overall health of your greenery and foliage.
5. Look after your lawn
Lawn care is hugely important in assuring your garden stays looking beautiful. Make sure to rake away any excess leaves and trim your grass routinely.
