Pulling out weeds from your patios or driveways only to see them return shortly after can be quite frustrating, and this may be attributed to a common mistake in gardening practices.
Melissa J Will, known as the Empress of Dirt, is a respected figure in organic gardening, emphasizing the importance of relying on evidence-based information rather than myths.
She pointed out that while natural weed killers like vinegar, salt, and baking soda are frequently recommended online, they only target the leaves of weeds, leaving the roots intact, which leads to regrowth.
According to Melissa, these remedies, such as vinegar, are not potent enough to eliminate weed roots effectively, and using industrial-strength options can pose risks and are not suitable for home use.
While salt can effectively kill weeds, it also harms surrounding greenery and soil, potentially causing damage to nearby plants and lawns when it rains.
Melissa strongly advises against using salt in gardening practices and emphasizes the importance of completely removing weed roots for effective eradication.
For a more sustainable approach, steaming weeds with a steamer is recommended as it eliminates both the weeds and their roots through high temperatures, making it a preferred method for organic enthusiasts and farmers.
To start, all you need is a steamer, gloves, and possibly a knife for tougher spots. It is best to tackle weeding after rainfall when the soil is damp, facilitating easier root removal.
Melissa suggests steaming as a long-lasting and eco-friendly weeding method, especially suitable for small areas like driveways, patios, and masonry, offering a chemical-free solution.
Additionally, for a lasting solution, using polymeric jointing sand can prevent future weed growth by filling in gaps between stones or bricks, as recommended by Melissa for effective weed control.