The slabs between patio slabs and gaps in gravel can easily accumulate rainwater, creating an ideal, moist environment for weeds to thrive.
These spaces often receive ample sunlight, further facilitating weed growth, particularly in relatively open surroundings.
And while many of us would reach for a store-bought weed killer, according to gardening enthusiasts online, all you need is three ingredients from your kitchen.
TikTok gardener Tomato Dave encouraged his viewers to “stop buying commercial chemicals to kill your weeds” and make the three-ingredient concoction themselves.
“I tried this natural remedy,” he said. “I was blown away by how well it worked after only three hours.”
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“It did better than any other commercial weed killer I’ve tried. After three weeks, they still haven’t grown back.”
The three-ingredient mixture might sound too good to be true, but its effectiveness from a scientific point of view seems undeniable.
Vinegar boasts acetic acid, a natural herbicide that penetrates plant leaves and disrupts cell membranes, and this process leads to dehydration and, ultimately, the demise of the pesky plants.
The higher the concentration of acetic acid in the vinegar, the more potent it tends to be as a weed killer.
Similarly, salt dehydrates weeds when applied to the soil or leaves.
The mixture can have a lasting impact on the soil, rendering it less conducive to future weed growth.
However, excessive use of salt can harm surrounding vegetation and impact soil fertility, so it’s crucial to use it sparingly.
Dish soap serves as a binding agent in the mixture, primarily to combine the vinegar and salt.
Tomato Dave explains that its thick formula helps the spray “adhere to the leaves”, enhancing its effectiveness.
