As the winter months descend, weed control often slips off the radar for many gardeners. However, these persistent invaders remain undeterred by the changing seasons. In the milder months, buttercups and dandelions dominate, while the hardier varieties make their mark when the temperatures dip. Known for their rapid growth and incredible ability to multiply, weeds are not easily vanquished, particularly when they settle between patio slabs and paving stones.
Looking for a natural solution to rid your patio of these unwelcome intruders? Rowan Cripps, the director of Infinite Paving, offers expert advice on how to restore the beauty of your outdoor space. Cripps stresses the importance of tackling weeds promptly, warning: “Weeds are undoubtedly the most frustrating nuisance in your outdoor area. There’s nothing worse than having freshly installed paving only for it to be overtaken by unsightly weeds.”
Left unchecked, these weeds will eventually spread, seeding more and more throughout your paving. The expert emphasizes the urgency of addressing the problem before it becomes a more complex and widespread issue. “It’s critical to eliminate these persistent weeds before they spread and become even more difficult to control,” Cripps notes. Fortunately, there are multiple effective methods to eradicate weeds—and prevent their return.
Manual Weed Removal
Rowan Cripps advocates for the most straightforward and cost-effective method: pulling weeds by hand. He affirms: “This simple technique is highly effective, and it’s the best way to ensure they don’t grow back.” The key, he explains, is precision—removing weeds as close to the root as possible will prevent them from regrowing and repopulating the gaps between paving stones.
For even greater ease, the area can be dampened before tackling the weeds. “Soaking the soil makes the task much easier,” Cripps explains. “Wet soil allows for better weed extraction than dry soil, making the process quicker and more efficient.”
Salt as an Alternative
While white vinegar is often praised for its effectiveness in killing weeds, Cripps suggests another kitchen staple that works just as well—salt. This simple yet powerful solution can be just as effective in eliminating patio weeds, providing gardeners with another cost-efficient method to keep their outdoor spaces pristine.
