We all know those weeds that grow between the slabs and are almost impossible to pull out.
A popular gardener on TikTok has shared his most reliable technique for removing pesky weeds from his patio in seconds – and it’s cheap.
According to the expert, the solution is to pour boiling water directly on the weeds.
The boiling water instantly shocks the plant’s roots and helps it loosen in seconds, meaning it can then be pulled out of the ground with minimal effort.
All you have to do is boil your kettle or bring water to a boil in a saucepan, then pour it into the spaces between the tiles of your outdoor terrace. This ingenious trick can also be used if you have pavers elsewhere, such as in your driveway.
Many avid gardeners who show off their weed-killing tricks on Reddit have endorsed using boiling water to kill weeds and hailed this little-known trick as one of the most effective.
“Don’t use toxic substances to kill your weeds, just use boiling water. It works best and kills weeds instantly.” wrote a user on the forum.
Using hot water is especially helpful when weeds are spread over a large area, according to gardening experts at Iowa State University.
“Boiling water will act as a contact ‘herbicide’ and will only kill the part of the plant it comes in contact with,” explains the educational body, adding, “It is most effective on young weeds. recently appeared herbs.”
Even if the plant cannot be pulled out, it will begin to wilt within a day or two of being scalded, whether on a garden path or driveway. If the weeds are still too small to pull out of the ground, applying baking soda will kill them at the root and prevent any new growth.
Alternatively, filling the holes in the coating with sealant will create a physical barrier that weeds cannot cross, but after some weathering the seal will again be perfectible.
