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Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mirror
I spent years trying to keep weeds off my drive — then I tried a new method
I have tried all kinds of methods for keeping the weeds off my drive over the years - and now I've found one that actually works Lifestyle opinion Steffan Rhys Deputy Content Hub Director Steffan is Reach PLC's Deputy Content Hub Director. He is also Reach's Head of Spare Time. He writes, edits and oversees content across Reach's large portfolio of websites, including some of the UK's largest national news websites like the Mirror and Express to its biggest regional websites like WalesOnline, the Manchester Evening News and Liverpool Echo. He covers everything from food, cooking and recipes to gardening, cleaning and DIY hacks to travel and places to go both inside the UK and abroad. He is particularly interested in healthy eating and ultra-processed food, as well as amazing places to go within the UK (he knows a lot about Wales). He also loves discovering and writing about pubs, restaurants, beaches and historic places to visit. He has won several awards, including Story of the Year at the Wales Media Awards for his work on a 50th anniversary tribute to the Aberfan disaster, as well as Website of the Year and Digital Initiative of the Year at the Regional Press Awards and News Website of the Year several times at the Wales Media Awards. He has been shortlisted for several more awards, including Online Editor of the Year at the Online Media Awards. He has also spoken at events, including most recently at the Welsh Crucible where he advised researchers on engaging with the media. If you think you have a story, get in touch by emailing He is a Welsh speaker who grew up in Carmarthenshire, joined Reach in 2006 and has worked in our Pontypridd, Bridgend, Carmarthen, London and Cardiff offices. He grew up supporting the Scarlets in rugby and Liverpool in football, and now cycles and runs to keep fit. The pesky weeds on my driveway have been a constant thorn in my side for years. My block paving driveway, composed of thousands of individual bricks, is often besieged by an unsightly mix of weeds, grass and moss. When it's weed-free (a rare occurrence), it's a sight to behold - I absolutely adore it. But when the weeds stage their takeover, it's a sorry sight that leaves me too embarrassed to even step outside. One kind-hearted neighbour even offered to tackle the problem, spending days weeding, only for the green invaders to return swiftly. It was a crushing blow for both of us, reports the Express. I've tried everything from laboriously scrubbing around several thousand bricks with a wire brush (which left my back crying out in agony) to filling the gaps between the blocks with setting sand and kiln-dried sand. I even gave vinegar a go after neighbours mentioned that the previous homeowner swore by it (though they did caution that it left the street reeking of a chippy for weeks). At one point, I was just a mouse click away from purchasing a fancy gadget designed to incinerate weeds. It resembled a litter-picker but with a flame or very hot element at the end. Despite the clear time commitment involved in singeing thousands of weeds individually, I was rather keen to give it a whirl. However, I decided to try one last method before resorting to this. I'm chuffed to bits that I did. This method was not only quicker than any other, but weeks later, only a smattering of weeds have dared to reappear, a stark contrast to their previous rampant regrowth. Here's a rundown of the methods I tried before stumbling upon the one that actually did the trick. Scrubbing with wire brush I gave the wire weeding brush method a go more than once. After the second or third attempt, it dawned on me that I needed to do something to stop the weeds from sprouting in the gaps between the bricks. Someone suggested trying setting sand. This is sand that you sweep into the cracks and then lightly water so it hardens like cement, preventing any weed growth. Kiln-dried and setting sand I also tried kiln-dried sand, a fine, dry sand that fills the joints and supposedly creates a strong, interlocking structure that keeps the weeds at bay. It looked much better than the setting sand I'd used, but it didn't halt the weed invasion. Weed killer It was obvious very quickly that this method would be incredibly inefficient, time-consuming and ultimately pointless. After buying a bottle of weed killer and starting to spray each individual weed by hand, I realised that I would need several bottles and hours of time to get it done. And I also knew that given it would only kill the weeds currently there, it would do nothing at all to prevent new weeds growing. The spray did kill the weeds it touched, but it was not the right solution for my problem. Bleach The thought of dousing the garden in bleach was off-putting, not to mention the sheer volume needed to tackle the weeds. Concerns also arose about rinsing away the bleach after its weed-killing spree. Plus, online gardening gurus suggest that while bleach may zap surface weeds, it doesn't get to the root of the problem, rendering the effort somewhat futile. Vinegar, lemon juice and boiling water Phoebe Cornish applied vinegar to weeds and said"the weeds looked colourless and shrivelled within a few hours of soaking them in the vinegar solution". She said: "And when I checked back the following morning, I was truly impressed with the effectiveness of this gardening hack. It's a great way to flatten and weaken weeds before pulling them out of the ground, but it doesn't replace the need to dig out the roots to prevent them from growing back." Another person tried using lemon juice only to find it ineffective, noting: "If anything, the weeds seemed to have grown 24 hours later." The logistics of securing enough lemon juice for a large area would be baffling – you'd practically need a lemon orchard. Boiling water was another tactic tested; it caused an immediate wilting of dandelion leaves and flowers, yet the pesky weed persisted a day later due to the intact root. The winning method: salt She wasn't alone in championing salt's effectiveness: "Salt really does make a great weed killer as it will kill just about anything that grows." National Garden Bureau member and Laidback Gardener, Larry Hodgson, told Homes and Gardens, though he cautioned: "But [it's] so toxic it simply can't be recommended in most garden settings." However, salt doesn't just destroy the foliage when sprayed on - it would also eliminate the roots if watered into the soil. Across various websites, gardeners claimed salt "essentially sterilises" the ground "preventing vegetative re-growth". On another platform, someone declared: "If you salt the soil, no plant will ever grow there again." How to use salt to kill weeds This sounded amazing to me so I went for it. I bought 20kg of rock salt from Amazon (which turned out to be an awful lot of salt — you can buy it here). I already had a pressure sprayer with a large capacity of at least 10 litres ( you can see an example here). The initial approach I tried involved adding a substantial quantity of rock salt to my sprayer, followed by several litres of warm water. I mixed it with a large wooden plank to dissolve the salt as thoroughly as possible before starting to spray the weeds. Like several of the techniques mentioned earlier, I quickly realised this would be quite time-consuming (although considerably faster than targeting individual weeds with a handheld weedkiller bottle). So, I opted to remove the lid from the pressure sprayer and pour out the salt water mixture over as wide an area as possible. With just a few refills of my large pressure sprayer, I managed to cover the entire driveway in no time. I added extra clumps of rock salt to particularly weed-infested areas around the edge of the drive, where years of accumulated dirt and sand had created a haven for weeds. Within a matter of hours, the weeds were withered and appeared decidedly dead. Granted, large sections of my drive were now strewn with piles of rock salt or the white residue left by the salt water. However, I simply rinsed this off a few days later using a power washer (a garden hose would do the trick too). Most crucially, the weeds were undeniably dead. It's been several weeks since I tried this method and, while some new weeds have started to sprout, their growth rate is nowhere near as fast as before. So, it seems there's some truth to the notion that salt renders soil inhospitable to plant life. Obviously, you wouldn't want to use this method in a garden where you're aiming to kill weeds but preserve other plants and flowers, as the salt would obliterate everything. But for a patio or driveway, it could be just the solution you're after. My colleague, Angela, also found success with the same method. After using salt to tackle weeds, she reported: "Nine hours later, the weeds were completely dead, so I was easily able to dig them out. I didn't use a fancy tool for this; a regular screwdriver sufficed. Curious as to whether the weeds would reappear, I checked back in on the area over the next two weeks, and no weeds seemed to have grown back."
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Mechanic names 'world's most reliable' car brand to own that would 'put him out of work'
Car mechanic James Goodhand spoke to Reach PLC on what he thinks is one of the best brands for people to buy in the UK as people take to the used car market more frequently A car mechanic has praised the brand of vehicle he thinks produces the world's most reliable cars, before revealing what car he owns himself. Also a published author, James Goodhand talked to Reach PLC about his top tips for the public for buying a good used car. On which brand he would suggest is the most reliable, he picked fabled Japanese marque, Honda. As to why, he said: 'If the budget will stretch to it, buy Japanese. Best of all, Honda. They really are the world 's best vehicle engineers. If everyone drove a Honda I would go out of business.' Going into further detail on why he had chosen Honda, James added: '[Their] outstanding reliability. For example, I look after a 20-year-old Civic with over 200k for a customer. 'Still, the engine ticks over so smoothly you could stand your cup of tea on it, and it's so quiet you're hard pushed to tell if it's running. And this thing has covered enough miles to reach the moon.' On what car he chooses to drive, James revealed that his vehicle comes from Swedish brand Volvo, which he owns alongside another beloved car. He said: "It'll come as no surprise that we have a Volvo V90! "Although it's worth mentioning that I also have a BMW M3 that I've had for fifteen years, which has served as family car for periods of time and is in fact the car my little boy came back from the maternity ward in. " James isn't the first car mechanic to highlight the prowess of Honda as a good brand to go for. Car experts at WhatCar? put a selection of small cars through their paces earlier this year, and the latest Honda Jazz placed inside the top three, being praised for its supreme practicality. The reviewers said: 'The Honda Jazz is one of those cars that - like contestants on Britain's Got Talent - are gifted in various ways but have so far not had the universal adoration they perhaps deserve. "While the Jazz has always stood out for its practical interior and reputation for excellent reliability, it has never really hit the heady sales heights of some of its more conventional small car rivals." Praise for Hondas past and present comes as the brand is reportedly considering whether or not to continue its manufacturing presence in the UK. After nearly 40-years building cars near Swindon, it was alleged that the manufacturer was considering producing its cars elsewhere. In 2021, Honda closed its factory in South Marston, which had been producing cars since 1985. Following its closure, it was decided to redevelop the site into what is due to be called Panattoni Park, a £900m commercial site, with construction beginning last year, reported the BBC. In a statement at its launch, Swindon Borough Council leader Jim Robbins said: "I'm really pleased we are finally seeing development come forward on the old Honda site as it will future proof the Swindon economy, bringing thousands of new jobs and significant investment in biodiversity, local roads and public access. 'This sends a clear signal Swindon is very much open for business and we are a town on the up.'
Daily Mirror
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
90 Day Fiancé star opens up on what it's really like on dating show
A 90 Day Fiancé UK star has opened up about what it's really like to appear on the hit reality TV show, which has returned for a new series. A 90 Day Fiancé UK star has revealed the reality behind appearing on the programme. The latest series has landed on Discovery Plus, promising viewers a feast of explosive drama and heated clashes. Fresh couples take centre stage as they navigate the complexities of long-distance romance, tackling everything from burning jealousy to covert religious transformations. The first three episodes dropped on July 13, with subsequent instalments arriving each Sunday thereafter. Viewers have already witnessed explosive rows between one pair following a secret religious shift that eventually surfaced. Shorna, 45, maintains a long distance romance with Adnand, 25, but her conversion to Mormonism now prohibits any intimate contact before marriage. The revelation blindsided Adnand, who struggled to process the bombshell on screen. In an exclusive conversation with Reach PLC's Screen Time team, Shorna discussed the heated exchange and confirmed that viewers witnessed completely authentic scenes. Regarding his response to her announcement, she revealed: "I was shocked, I didn't expect that from him because we'd built up a connection. "I knew it was going to be a difficult conversation to have, but I didn't expect him to act the way he did." She continued: "It's all real. Whatever you see with my story, it's all real. I can say it's 100% real, nothing's made up. My faith is important to me and so is my family." Shorna's getaway to Greece with her youngest daughter took an unexpected twist when they found themselves locked out of their hotel room. In need of help, they encountered 25 year old Adnand, a charming hotel employee, reports the Express. The spark between them was undeniable as Shorna felt an "instant connection" during a ride on his golf buggy. Back in London, the pull was too strong to resist, and Shorna jetted off to Greece for a second time, enjoying eight days of romance. The couple has since maintained a long-distance love affair. Shorna candidly shared her experience with filming crews capturing every moment, including the tiffs, as she said: "At first I was like what are you doing, what are you up to but after time, getting to know the producers and the staff, they're so lovely, they make you feel at ease, it was just natural." She emphasised the authenticity of their journey, adding: "It's all natural, the emotions, the highs and lows we had, it was all natural." Defying sceptics of her age-gap romance, Shorna is determined to show that love knows no bounds as she said: "My daughters and friends were against it, I just want to prove age is just a number." Despite initial doubts, Shorna is convinced of their bond, explaining: "At first my daughter thought it was a holiday romance but I said we have the connection, we were happy. We had a whirlwind romance, we fell in love quickly." The question remains whether Shorna and Adnand can overcome their differences, with viewers eagerly awaiting the next instalment on Sunday, July 20.
Daily Record
04-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Record
'Sturdy' mini greenhouse that looks 'absolutely beautiful' drops to £71 in double deal
For those who have limited garden space, the mini greenhouse is the ideal for growing your favourite flowers and plants. Now that we are in the height of summer, many garden lovers will be maintaining their outdoor spaces and continuing to grow their favourite veg, flowers and plants. While having enough outdoor space to turn your garden into a vibrant landscape is many garden enthusiasts' dream, some don't have the same luxury. However, for those who have smaller gardens or are just looking for a compact way to grow more plants and veg, you're in luck as a 'sturdy' mini greenhouse has just been given an impressive discount thanks to a double discount deal. Found on Yimbly, which is an online marketplace owned by the Daily Record's parent company Reach PLC, the VegTrug Nursery Greenhouse has dropped from £99.99 down to £79.99 thanks to the current gardening sale. However, garden lovers are in luck as they can drop this price even further by using a limited discount code at the checkout, reports the Mirror. By using the code SUMMERDAYS10, shoppers will get an extra 10 per cent off the mini greenhouse - dropping the price to £71.99. On top of this, first time customer's of the Yimbly website will also get free shipping on their first order. This mini greenhouse was built to withstand the weather as it is made from sustainable, certified cedar wood and is treated with a water-based preservative. For those wondering about its dimensions, this greenhouse will be able to seamlessly fit into small outdoor spaces as it has a height of 157.5cm, is 70.8cm wide and has a depth of 49cm. For those unsure of what plants they want to grow, shoppers won't need to worry about being restricted with this greenhouse as it comes with four versatile shelves that can be moved around so different sized seeds and plants can grow with ease. Additionally, the shelf slats can be moved to accommodate vine plants as they grow. VegTrug Nursery Greenhouse £99.99 £71.99 Yimbly Buy Now Product Description The greenhouse also comes with a high quality reinforced cover that features an accessible opening section for easy access. Additionally, the cover can also be closed to help insulate plants when the temperature gets a bit colder to help prolong the growing season. Alternatively, for those looking for something a bit bigger, Argos has slashed 50 per cent off the McGregor Garden Wall Leaning Transparent Greenhouse. Normally retailing for £65, shoppers can now grab it for £32.50 in the sale. With dimensions of 6.56ft by 3.38ft, this greenhouse comes with three internal shelves and a polyethylene cover. Over on Amazon, shoppers can buy the Bramble Five Tier Mini Compact Greenhouse for £31.99. Lightweight and compact, this pop up greenhouse comes with five removable mesh wire shelves and is ideal for patios, small gardens and balconies. For those wanting to look at reviews of the VegTrug Mini Greenhouse, it is also selling at Dunelm for £99 and currently has a 4.5 star rating. While Yimbly is selling the natural edition of the greenhouse, shoppers can also buy a grey version over on Dunelm. One delighted shopper said: "Absolutely beautiful product! Quality material fairly easy to assemble." With another five-star reviewer adding on: "Happy with this mini greenhouse as a lot stronger, good value for the price." However, some shoppers disagreed about the assembly of the greenhouse. One reviewer said: "Greenhouse good, could have done with some written instructions as well as simple diagrams." While another noted: "A little on the tricky side to assemble but very pleased with result and quality of mini greenhouse." Despite this, a top reviewer commented: "Sturdy and good strong cover. Good instructions. Well packaged." While a sixth shopper also praised: "Very happy with my trug which I ordered online. It was delivered on time and quite easy to assemble." To buy the VegTrug Nursery Greenhouse, click HERE. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Daily Mirror
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Harry Styles seen at Glastonbury sharing passionate kiss with a mystery woman
Harry Styles is pictured arriving at Glastonbury Festival (Image: ReachPLC) Pop megastar Harry Styles was seen enjoying a passionate kiss with a mystery woman in the VIP area at Glastonbury. The pair danced in the early hours at the festival before they shared the 12-second smooch. A source said: "Harry only had eyes for this woman and sparks were flying as soon as they were together." The former One Direction star, 31, arrived separately from his secret squeeze and was reportedly spotted at around 1.45am on Sunday with pals, including music producer Kid Harpoon. The woman made her entrance shortly afterwards and was spotted kissing Harry after their dance. The source added: "Harry turned up with a few of his mates but as soon as she got there, they were almost inseparable. Just short of an hour after they arrived, they kissed in front of loads of other people and didn't seem to care who was watching." READ MORE: Glastonbury fans fume one act 'on wrong stage' as they urge Olivia Rodrigo to be replaced The pop superstar partied with pals at the festival (Image: Mirror) The pair "appeared to have known each other for a while," the onlooker told The Sun. Harry, who since leaving One Direction has had two UK number ones as a solo artist, split with Canadian actress Taylor Russell in May. The reveller at Glastonbury is the first woman Harry has been linked to since the split. Harry and Taylor called things off after a "make or break" trip to Japan. Speaking at the time, an insider said: "They went through a rough patch after their trip to Japan and are taking some time apart. He's been in America and she's been in London. They made a lovely couple and it was obvious Taylor made Harry happy. Things have become strained recently though and they've taken some time out." But the Glasto sources believed Harry and the woman had known each other for sometime, from looking at their body language on Sunday. They continued: "They both looked like they were having a brilliant time and appeared to have known each other for a while, as they were very familiar." Photographs show the tender embrace, which happened in the VIP area at the music festival. Harry had arrived at Worthy Farm in Somerset on Friday and spent his first night there partying with mates until around 6am, The Sun understands. It is believed the singer, who has never performed at Glastonbury, was present to enjoy some of the artists on Sunday, a lineup which included music legend Rod Stewart. It was some 23 years after his last appearance at the festival. But, despite becoming one of music biggest names — first as part of One Direction, then as a solo star — Harry has never performed at Glastonbury.
