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Weeds grow rapidly and are notoriously difficult to control because they don’t require optimal conditions to grow, unlike other plants. Though there is no easy way to prevent their growth, avid gardeners have unearthed a plethora of ways one can remove them quickly.
Weed removal can be an arduous job for homeowners, but luckily gardening enthusiasts know effective ways to stop the invaders from emerging from gravel.
According to expert knowledge, weed growth can be controlled and prevented with the right methods, whether you’re dealing with bramble or burdock.
Emma Locker, an avid gardener who runs the informational blog DYI Garden, suggests there are three ways gardeners can go about weed removal.
Broadly speaking, these approaches comprise mechanical control, chemical control, and non-chemical control. So what are they and how do they work?
Mechanical control for weeds
With manual removal, a gardener picks up each weed at the root of the plant and wiggles it free from the ground.
“Weeds are more easily removed from damp soil, so the optimal time for manual removal is after rain or once you’ve gone over the block paving with a hose,” explained Locker.
According to the expert, pressure washing is a less laborious approach, as the water’s force helps remove the whole root network from the ground.
Chemical control for weeds
Chemical control is another great way to stop weeds growing in block paving, explained Locker. “Removing them can be tricky, but with a weed killer, it’s a doddle.”
It means putting down a product that will kill the weeds, and it is a common and easy way to get rid of unwanted plants.
Amazon’s top-selling weed killers are
Non-chemical control for weeds
For those seeking a non-chemical solution, the use of salt and water may prove equally effective, according to users on Facebook.
The method was revealed as a popular choice for gardening professionals when a social media recently asked: “Hi folks, is it worth putting down weed killer on my gravel now or would the rain just dilute any solutions?
“Also, wondering if anyone uses bleach solutions to kill weeds. I have a gravel driveway.”
Several commentators responded to the post, with one writing: “Keep away from the bleach and use boiling water and salt.
A second agreed. “Yes, this works really well. We’ve stubborn brambles coming up the side of our patio and boiling water and salt is the best way we’ve found so far to effectively kill them.”
A similar, but slightly more elaborated trick, involves mixing equal parts salt, vinegar, and dish soap in a spray bottle, and applying the solution over weeds until they are soaking wet.
Adopting this method is most effective in dry weather, as the sun can accelerate the process of removing weeds, according to experts.
