A new viral TikTok hack claims to prevent weeds from growing in between concrete areas such as patios and driveways. However, an expert has warned against using it too much
Weeds seem to thrive anywhere in gardens, even in the tiniest gaps between patio slabs.
But, there might be a way to banish them “for good”. A popular TikTok hack has been doing the rounds, claiming to prevent weeds from sprouting up through concrete areas like patios and driveways “for good”.
The hack, originally shared by Dr Janine Bowring, involves mixing one part salt with two parts water, stirring, and then pouring the solution over weeds growing through driveway and pavement gaps to kill them off.
READ MORE: Shoppers heap praise on £20 gum serum that ‘works wonders’ and helps ‘reduce inflammation’
However, gardening expert Harry Bodell from PriceYourJob has weighed in on the method, explaining how it actually works.
He said: “This method works by ultimately dehydrating weeds. Salt disrupts the weed’s ability to absorb essential nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium.
“The disruption in nutrient uptake weakens the plant’s overall health, causing it to dry out from dehydration and die. The salt method prevents further growth of weeds. There are certain ions present in salt which can be toxic to plants.
“When accumulated in high concentrations, it interferes with natural processes such as photosynthesis, leading to cell damage and dehydration of the plant.”
So, how does the gardening expert recommend using this natural weed killer?
Harry advises: “Once you’ve prepared your salt solution, lightly pour the solution over gaps in between paving slabs on garden paths, specifically concentrating on areas that have weeds currently growing through.”
By following these simple steps, you might just be able to keep those pesky weeds at bay “for good”. “It’s important to do this on a particularly dry day so humidity and rain don’t wash away the solution.
“Overnight, the solution will work on drying out the plant to the root, making the weed easy to remove the next day.”
Nonetheless, Bodell also advises applying the solution in moderation to prevent harming other vegetation, reports the Express. He warned that although salt can “effectively kill weeds”, it may accumulate in sand and soil and “affect the growth of other plants”.
The advice is to use it carefully and only where you don’t want any plants growing, as it might influence the germination of future plants.
Salt is super affordable and likely already in your kitchen cupboard. If you need to stock up, salt is available for just 55p at Morrisons and similarly priced in other local supermarkets.
