How to get rid of weeds this spring with 'easy and natural' hacks that don't cost a penny

Inside King Charles' garden at Highgrove as Alan Titchmarsh visits
BBC
Sarra Gray

By Sarra Gray


Published: 11/04/2025

- 22:21

Get rid of weeds quickly without the need for chemical weed killers

The warmer weather means the return of flowers in the garden, but with this comes a surge of weeds.

Experts have shared two affordable ways to get rid of unwanted plants in your outdoor space.


Global product manager at Flymo Julie Blades shared her advice - and you don't need any expensive chemical products.

She said: “Weeds are a common frustration for gardeners, but many traditional methods involve chemicals that can be harmful to the environment.

Lawn / person pulling weeds

Get rid of weeds with boiling water

GETTY

“Fortunately, there are several effective, eco-friendly ways to tackle weeds without resorting to harsh treatments.”

Using boiling water and making a DIY vinegar solution could be all it takes to get rid of unwanted plants in your garden.

The expert added: "Pouring boiling water directly onto weeds is an easy and natural way to kill them.

"This method works best for weeds growing in pavement cracks or driveways, as the heat destroys the plant’s structure instantly."

While this is an effective tip, be cautious of other plants in the area, as the water could damage the plants and flowers you have carefully grown.

Julie continued: "Boiling water can be a great method for removing weeds, however, be aware of other plants in the vicinity, as the boiling water can actually damage existing plants."

Creating a vinegar solution is also another handy tip. While many people will have vinegar lying around at home, this is another hack that costs next to nothing.

Weeding in allotmentWeeds appear more prominently in spring PA

The gardening pro said: "A natural vinegar solution, such as household white vinegar, can be an effective alternative to chemical weed killers. However, it should be used carefully, as vinegar can affect surrounding plants.

"Perhaps an unorthodox method, vinegar is particularly effective against smaller weeds, as it extracts the moisture from the weeds, effectively killing its growth."

For more gardening tips, an expert shared more chemical-free hacks that can clear up your garden.