Common household items that destroy weeds effectively and 'permanently'

Weeds can ruin the look of a garden, but a combination of three household items could prevent their growth and improve the health of the soil, according to gardening experts

Gardening enthusiasts are buzzing with the latest tips on how to keep their gardens pristine as experts reveal natural methods to banish pesky weeds.

Watching your garden flourish can be incredibly rewarding, but the emergence of weeds can quickly spoil the beauty of your outdoor space. These unwelcome visitors not only spoil the view but also leech vital nutrients from other plants, potentially shortening their lives.

While chemical weedkillers are often the go-to solution, the experts at Summit Turf Services have highlighted three household items that could be game-changers for your garden. To stop weeds in their tracks and prevent them from coming back, it's crucial to kill their roots and maintain nutrient-rich soil.

A mix of salt, soap and vinegar has been touted by amateur gardeners as a miraculous concoction for soil health, which also prioritizes the safety of your family, pets, and the environment – a sentiment echoed by the experts. As reported in the Express, they advised: "Targeting and killing the plant's root is what permanently kills weeds. You can use natural and manufactured weed killers; however, they will ultimately come back if the plant's root survives.

"There are numerous products available that may help you get rid of weeds. However, some products contain harmful chemicals. So, you may be wondering what kills weeds permanently naturally." The experts suggested a natural approach, stating: "Other natural options include using everyday household items, proven as effective herbicides. For example, gardeners have employed salt and vinegar, both readily available and inexpensive, to battle weeds successfully."

They recommended combining these items to make a powerful concoction: "Together, these household items create a potent mixture to eliminate weeds to ensure they won't come back." They advised specific measurements for an effective herbicidal mix: "As a herbicidal mixture, gardeners often combine salt, vinegar, and their favourite dish soap in the following proportions: one gallon of white vinegar, one cup of salt, and one tablespoon of liquid dishwashing detergent."

The specialists explained the science behind the mixture, saying: "Vinegar and salt will dry out weeds and grass, whereas the dish soap helps the vinegar and salt to cling to the leaves rather than absorbing the mixture. If utilised correctly, they can be an effective herbicide as the weeds will dry up and die in a few hours."

They also had another tip for garden enhancement: "You could also boost your garden's health by mulching newspaper to keep weeds at bay, which should hinder their development while maintaining the soil's nutrition."

Finally, they brought up another household staple that can aid weed removal: "Another item that households that will help to rid outdoor areas of weeds is bleach. This is because it 'increases the pH of the soil, helping it to become more alkaline and inhibiting the development of weeds', according to the experts."