Latest news with #Gardenstone
Daily Mirror
28-05-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Banish gravel weeds using household item that's 'better than vinegar'
Weeds can thrive in areas of the garden with high moisture levels and such little sunlight - but an expert has shared a 'better' alternative to vinegar and salt Weeds possess the pesky knack for flourishing in garden spots where moisture abounds and sunlight is scarce. Gravel areas can accumulate rain, dust, bird droppings, and other detritus, creating a fertile breeding ground for weeds. Windborne seeds, animal fur hitchhikers, or those unwittingly carried on footwear can all lead to weeds sprouting in gravel. Once these seeds find the right conditions moist, warm and humid - they begin to grow and extend their roots. Even with landscape fabric or weed membranes in place, some stubborn weeds manage to pierce through and emerge. Suzie Briggs - after coming across suggestions of using white vinegar and salt to tackle gravel weeds - sought guidance on the Gardening Hints and Tips Facebook group. She queried: "I've seen lots of posts lately about the use of white vinegar and salt for weed killing. I have a gravel covered drive and can't seem to keep the weeds in check, even using the recommended weed killer for paths. Would they work on the drive or is there something better?". "There are no other plants in the vicinity and it's not like I would be planting anything on the drive in future." Fellow group members responded in the comments, concurring that while these kitchen staples "work well" they suggested she opt for a "better" domestic solution - washing powder, reports the Express. Simone Mister commented: "I used to use salt on my alleyway and it works, but washing powder was better for me." Sarah McEvoy shared: "I had success with some cheap soap powder and boiling water." Vera Hill said: "Laundry powders are amazing on gravel weeds. You can see the results almost instantly." Chatting with Ideal Home, Gardenstone's gardening expert Tom Clifford concurred with these tactics, advising: "Strong chemical weed killers, although effective, can often be harmful to your patio surface, especially if it's made from delicate stone." He explained: "Washing powder offers a gentler option that shouldn't harm your patio surface but will effectively kill weeds." Further illuminating on its benefits, he added: "In addition, washing powder is a regular household object, making it much more accessible and affordable than chemical weed killers." When considering the science behind it, washing powder's inclusion of boron spells doom for garden invaders, as this element is toxic to plants, causing them to shrivel and perish upon contact. For those utilising washing powder against unwelcome greenery, simply douse the gravel or patio crevices in the powder, then drench it with boiling water. Once vegetation has turned a tell-tale brown and begins succumbing to defeat, a quick sweep should clear them out. For effective removal, a sturdy broom such as Wick's Deluxe Stiff Bassine Broom, priced at £9.50, or even Homebase's comparable Stiff Bassine Wooden Broom at £9 should do the trick.
Daily Mirror
19-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners say common laundry product is 'better' than vinegar for weeds
Weeds can be a real pain when they crop up in your garden - but there's an easy method to get rid of them using a common household product that you probably already have at home Gardeners are buzzing over a simple kitchen staple that's been hailed as a miracle weed killer for gravel paths and driveways. Weeds can be the bane of any gardener's life, especially when they sprout between the stones of a gravel path or driveway. It's a real chore to remove them, and if left unchecked, they can quickly overrun the area. But green-fingered enthusiasts have discovered a "better" solution than white vinegar that zaps weeds "almost instantly", and it's likely you've got this wonder product at home already. The savvy tip was revealed by members of the Gardening Hints and Tips group on Facebook, in response to a query about effective weed control alternatives to white vinegar and salt. The individual posted: "I've seen lots of posts lately about the use of white vinegar and salt for weed killing." They continued: "I have a gravel-covered drive and can't seem to keep the weeds in check, even using the recommended weed killer for paths. Would they work on the drive or is there something better? There are no other plants in the vicinity and it's not like I would be planting anything on the drive in future." Many group members chimed in with their advice, suggesting that while white vinegar and salt could do the trick, there was indeed a superior option – good old washing powder. Garden gurus and savvy shoppers alike have been sharing their top tips online, raving about the unexpected uses of everyday washing powder, particularly when it comes to tackling pesky weeds in your garden's gravel. One green-fingered enthusiast shared: "I used to use salt on my alleyway and it works, but washing powder was better for me." Meanwhile, another gardener revealed: "I had success with some cheap soap powder and boiling water." A third was quick to highlight the efficacy of the method, claiming: "Laundry powders are amazing on gravel weeds. You can see the results almost instantly." If you're already using washing powder for your clothes, you're in luck as this staple is readily at your disposal. However, for those accustomed to pods or liquid detergents, a trip to acquire some powdered form may be necessary. Supermarket shelves will carry the product, typically costing a minimum of £3. But if convenience is key, look no further than Amazon, where you might find a hefty 6.5kg box of Surf totalling £15 or perhaps the most economical option—a 400g box of ACDO Miracle Washing Powder for a mere £1.50 from Poundland. Affirming the trick, garden specialist Tom Clifford from Gardenstone previously advised Ideal Home: "Strong chemical weed killers, although effective, can often be harmful to your patio surface, especially if it's made from delicate stone. Washing powder offers a gentler option that shouldn't harm your patio surface but will effectively kill weeds. In addition, washing powder is a regular household object, making it much more accessible and affordable than chemical weed killers." Washing powder, which contains boron, is toxic to plants and thus can be used as an effective weed killer. However, caution should be exercised when using it around other plants you wish to keep, as it could inadvertently harm or kill them. To utilise washing powder as a weed killer, simply scatter the powder onto the gravel or patio gaps, followed by pouring boiling water over it.
Daily Mirror
13-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners say kitchen staple is 'better than vinegar' for killing weeds
Green-fingered gardeners have discovered a hack that is "better" than white vinegar when it comes to zapping pesky gravel weeds - and it's likely to already be in your kitchen Keen gardeners have revealed the kitchen staple they say is "better" than white vinegar when it comes to banishing pesky gravel weeds. Gravel paths and driveways can be a real eyesore when weeds start to take over, turning a neat outdoor space into an unruly jungle. The struggle to remove these unwelcome guests is all too familiar for many gardeners, but fear not, as green-fingered enthusiasts have unearthed a hack that trumps white vinegar and promises to zap weeds "almost instantly". And the best part? This miracle solution is likely already in your kitchen. The ingenious tip was revealed by members of the Gardening Hints and Tips group on Facebook, following a plea for help from one individual plagued by persistent weeds on their gravel drive. They posted: "I've seen lots of posts lately about the use of white vinegar and salt for weed killing. I have a gravel-covered drive and can't seem to keep the weeds in check, even using the recommended weed killer for paths. "Would they work on the drive or is there something better? There are no other plants in the vicinity and it's not like I would be planting anything on the drive in future." Group members swiftly chimed in with their suggestions for the poster, and while many endorsed white vinegar and salt as effective solutions, they highlighted something even better - washing powder. One member shared: "I used to use salt on my alleyway and it works, but washing powder was better for me." One person shared their success story, saying: "I had success with some cheap soap powder and boiling water." Another member praised the quick action of washing powder, stating: "Laundry powders are amazing on gravel weeds. You can see the results almost instantly." For those who already use washing powder for their laundry, this solution is readily available at home, reports the Express. However, if you're more familiar with using pods or liquid detergent, you'll need to get your hands on some powdered form. This can be easily added to your shopping list during your regular supermarket visit, with prices starting from just £3. Gardening expert Tom Clifford from Gardenstone has previously shared a handy tip with Ideal Home for those looking to avoid harsh chemicals: "Strong chemical weed killers, although effective, can often be harmful to your patio surface, especially if it's made from delicate stone. "Washing powder offers a softer option that shouldn't damage your patio surface but will effectively kill weeds. Plus, washing powder is a common household item, making it much more accessible and affordable than chemical weed killers." It contains boron, a substance toxic to plants, which can be used as an effective weed killer. However, caution is advised as it can also harm desirable plants. To apply, simply sprinkle washing powder over the affected area and douse with boiling water.
