Stop wasting your cash on weed killer – my DIY spray is the best garden hack ever, my patio's still clear a year later

The Sun

12-05-2025

NOW that Brits can finally bask in some sunshine, many are preparing their gardens to enjoy some well-deserved relaxation without their outdoor spaces being an eyesore.
From sprucing up their gardens with new additions to tidying up by mowing the lawn and de-weeding, those with gardens may find themselves spending their weekends giving them a bit of TLC.
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And one woman has revealed the ' best garden hack ' to make things easier for you.
She also claims that it will save you money on weed killers.
Jodie Oates shared that her method typically lasts for the year but issued a warning about where to use it, as it can be too strong for certain areas.
The gardening fan, known as ' official_jodiee ' on TikTok, posted a video explaining that all you need is an old plastic spray bottle, cheap washing-up liquid, white vinegar and salt.
However, she cautions that anyone planning to grow plants should avoid using the mixture near them, as it is 'too acidic in soil.'
Jodie explained that this DIY method has replaced store-bought weed killers for her as she claims, 'this works better.'
Jodie shared that when she revamped her garden, she didn't use a weed liner underneath the slate and people criticised her for it.
However, she explained that she hadn't had any weeds coming through because she sprayed her mixture all over it first.
Jodie also explained that she has no 'exact measurements' and just does it all 'by eye,' and once it is sprayed the weeds will die.
She also warned of the safety around shop-bought mixtures and using them around pets as it can be 'toxic' for them.
I had loads of irritating weeds popping up between my patio slabs - a free hack killed them instantly and they haven't grown back
However, Jodie explains that her mixture 'won't harm them at all.'
After one day of her video being uploaded, Jodie managed to gain 285.7k views as 160 people rushed to the comments section to share their thoughts.
One wrote: 'Boil the kettle and pour it on.'
A second added: 'I did this last year, poured it on fake grass too and it worked amazing.'
A third person commented: 'My dad taught me this hack years ago. I don't use anything else now.'
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May gardening jobs
The Sun's Gardening Editor, Veronica Lorraine, has shared the tasks you need to crack on with in May.
GARDEN growth can go from nought to ninety in May, depending on the weather. The last UK frosts are generally seen at the beginning of the month, so all of a sudden there's so much more to do and grow.
Plant out dahlia tubers
It's a joy to finally plant out your dahlia tubers. Remember how big they can get - and space accordingly - anything up to half a metre apart.
It's a good idea to put your support stakes in now instead of trying to work around them.
And make sure you include lots of well rotted manure or decent compost to feed it and then mulch to keep it moist and suppress weeds. They generally start blooming in July.
Final feed to Spring flowers
You can give a cheeky feed to all your remaining tulips and daffodils.
Although the majority of bulbs aren't guaranteed to come back year after year any more, as long as you've left them to die back naturally there's a good chance they'll have stored enough energy to come back again. Tomato feed is fine.
Tie up climbers
Your clematis, honeysuckle and rambling roses should be well on their way by now - try to use plastic free string to tie them back into their support, or tuck them round each other to make sure they don't sprout off in crazy directions.
Feed the lawn
It's not too late to give your lawn a good feed.
Whether you use granular or liquid, it can give it a good boost to see it through the harsher summer months.
While mowing, don't go too low with your cut length yet and never take more than a third off the grass height.
Get creative
It's also time to get creative with hanging baskets and pots.
Trailing pelargoniums, which a lot of people call geraniums, and Begonias are a good, low cost way of getting lovely returning blooms throughout the summer in your baskets.
And pots can be planted with spring bulbs.
Don't forget the greenhouse!
Give your greenhouse a good tidy and clean the glass inside and out.
The improved light will help plants grow quicker inside and tidying is good for the soul.
You can just use a household white wine vinegar and water solution - or even neat if you're feeling spendy - which gives a really good shine.