Such unsightly weeds develop from seeds that find their way into the cracks of paving because of the wind, for example, or from the bottom of people’s shoes.
While you can’t stop the wind from blowing, there is a way to tackle the unwanted intrusive plant and prevent it from sprouting again.
Gardeners shared their top tip on Mrs Hinch Gardening Tips Facebook page on how best to remove weeds using natural means.
On the Facebook page, Georgina Mitchell wrote: “I have numerous weeds coming through my block paving. I’m fed up of weeding them all to be just as bad the next week. Any ideas please?”
If the root of the weed isn’t entirely removed, then it’s more than likely you can expect more weeds to appear.
For an effective natural method that is easier than removing weeds by hand, the community suggested to Georgina to make a homemade spray.
Kerry Atkinson said: “I use white vinegar, washing-up liquid and salt. It works fab; I swear by it.” Jane Kent affirmed: “Salt, vinegar, water and washing-up liquid mixed and sprayed on the area.”
Another community member, Stuart Jones, explained: “One of the reasons weeds grow through block paving is because the silicone sand needs replacing.
“I only use distilled white vinegar, table salt and washing-up liquid mixed water to eradicate these problem weeds naturally.
“But once they are gone, brush in silicone sand right up to the level of the block paving; this stops wind born weed seeds from entering to soil level through the blocks. You can get silicone sand from a good builders merchant.”
Karen Bowen said: “I use white vinegar, a good squirt of washing-up liquid and a good amount of salt.
“Mixed together it forms a magical homemade weed killer spray. Put in a spray bottle and spray on the weeds this stops weeds coming back.”
Clare Jewell said her neighbour recommended salt to kill paving weeds, but she too combines salt with white vinegar and washing-up liquid to get rid of them.
Lisa Ralphs said: “I make a mix of white vinegar, salt and washing-up liquid in a sprayer. Vinegar smells, but goes after 30 minutes. Kills weeds every time, cheap and easy. Used this for years.”
For the best results, it is advised to apply the homemade weed remover spray on a dry day when the sun is shining, before midday.
Jack Sutcliffe, gardening expert at Power Sheds, also stood by the salt, washing-up liquid and white vinegar mixture to kill paving weeds.
He said: “Make your own weed killer with a mixture of white vinegar, salt, and washing-up liquid.”
