Ivy is a common sight in many gardens, but it can be a nuisance for homeowners due to its invasive nature. Luckily, one woman has shared a simple way to get rid of it
Ivy, notorious for its love of the shade, is often seen engulfing gardens and clinging to buildings where the sun seldom shines.
Its aerial roots are incredibly sticky, which can cause damage to structures.
On social media, green-fingered enthusiasts have been sharing their top tricks for tackling tenacious ivy, and it could cost you mere pennies if you don’t already have this household staple.
In a quest for advice on the Gardening Hints and Tips Facebook group, Mary Cook enquired: “What’s a good way to get rid of unwanted ivy? “
The suggestions poured in, with many advising to chop the ivy and apply bleach, reports the Express.
But there’s worry about how bleach might affect the surrounding wildlife and other plants in the garden.
Marianne Taylor proposed an eco-friendlier solution: “The only way to eradicate ivy is to remove as much of it as possible by hand and then use white vinegar. It will be dead overnight.”
For those keen to try her approach, the recipe is straightforward: blend 80 percent water with 20 percent white vinegar and douse the ivy generously.
Bulkier ivy may require a more concentrated vinegar mix, but care should be taken to avoid hitting other plants.
White vinegar is so effective that it can kill off plants you want to keep. Gena Lorraine, a gardening guru from Fantastic Services, warned: “Ensure that you don’t harm other plants while spraying the ivy plants.
“Observe the results and remove any dead ivy, reapplying the solution as and when needed.”
As an alternative, she suggested using duct tape, salt, and water, pointing out that this method is suitable for tackling thicker vines.
Cut each vine with garden clippers and encase them with duct tape to create a cup-like shape.
Fill each cup about three-quarters of the way with salt and add a small amount of water. According to Gena, “This way, you attack the ivy’s vascular system, and the plant should be completely dried out within a couple of months.”
Another option is to use boiling water to kill the ivy, but be cautious as the plant will still retain its skin-irritating oils. To avoid this, use tongs and gloves to remove the ivy if you choose this method.
