Weeds and ivy can be a nightmare for gardeners, but one natural item that you’ll already have in your cupboard can help to kill them in just a few days
Gravel weeds and ivy can prove troublesome for even the most experienced and dedicated gardener, prompting many to hunt for a quick and safe method to eliminate them. Because of the permeable and naturally scattered surface of a gravel garden, weeds can sadly push through and ruin your immaculate appearance.
Regarding the climbing plant, English ivy, its clinging nature can penetrate gaps and openings, weakening your structures and wrecking your garden. Frustrated with tackling these two problematic plants, a gardener turned to the Gardening Hints and Tips page on Facebook to request guidance on whether they could utilise salt.
Sarah Ford posted: “Good morning, has anyone used salt to kill the weeds growing in their gravel drive and ivy in their garden? If so, was it successful and how long did it take the weeds and ivy to die?”
Numerous gardeners were astonished that you can employ salt to destroy plants, especially weeds and ivy, whilst others revealed their triumph tales of using it, reports the Express.
Steve Hall said: “Yes, ordinary table salt works. Put plenty on but keep well away from anywhere you want to grow.”
Carol Saith said: “I put salt on my driveway especially, and the weeds were dead in five days, the ivy too.”
Catherine Ions said: “Salt first, then boiling water. It does kill them, and they stay away for a long time.”
Kellie Hare said: “I use salt between my gravel paving and in three to five days they’re gone.”
Cheryl Edwards said: “Yes, just salt sprinkled liberally, ensuring it doesn’t blow onto any adjoining grass/plants, so on a non-windy day. Used to use weed killer, but we have hedge hogs visit, so decided to try it, and it definitely works.”
Sandi Briskall added: “Works really well, I had a lot of ivy and weeds growing in my garden. I put salt on the top, and in around seven days, they start to blacken and die.”
But what makes salt so effective against unwanted plants? Salt operates by extracting moisture and throwing off their natural water equilibrium.
When sprinkled on weeds, it dehydrates the plant matter by pulling water out via osmosis, leading to dehydration and ultimately killing the plant.
This straightforward method can prove surprisingly successful against numerous typical weeds and even stubborn ivy.
The horticultural experts at Buckinghamshire Landscape Gardeners said: “Ivy has a serious dislike of salt, especially when it comes into contact with its inner parts. If you have a stubborn Ivy plant, which has a thick base, salt can help to kill it.”