Weeds are often the most dreaded problem in a garden or patio, poking their heads out in between paving stones and even potentially causing damage to your property if they’re left untamed for too long. While most people don’t have the time, or will, to head out in the cold amid the festive season and sort out their weed infestations, one expert team has revealed the simplest solution that could completely clear the pesky shrubbery before Christmas.
The experts at Lottomart shared a recipe for a “DIY weed killer” that completely dries out weeds within 48 hours and can be made at home with ingredients in your home. Even if you’re all out, they calculated a litre of the solution should only cost you around 70p.
For a small batch, combine 500ml of white vinegar, 30ml of table salt and a tablespoon of dishwashing liquid. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and shake thoroughly to ensure it’s properly mixed.
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The experts noted: “For the best results, apply this solution on a dry day when conditions allow it to work at its best. Within 24 hours, you’ll notice the weeds wilting, and within 48 hours, they should be completely dried out.
“This fast-acting, hassle-free solution not only keeps your outdoor spaces looking tidy but also avoids the environmental and the expense costs of store-bought weed killers.”
Acetic acid in the vinegar is one of the most powerful ingredients in the mixture, dehydrating the plant’s leaves, while the table salt interrupts its ability to absorb water and nutrients.
This combined effect essentially starves the weed while the dish soap breaks down the outer barriers of the plant layers and helps the other ingredients stick to the plant as much as possible. The homemade weed killer offers a more budget-friendly alternative to expensive herbicides while still allowing you to get your home and garden ready for all of the Christmas guests.
However, it is worth highlighting that these pantry ingredients are not able to get down to the roots of the weed. It will help to clear all of the visible leaves and tufts poking out, but you may need to repeatedly spray the problem areas to prevent it from growing back.