Latest news with #RebeccaSears
NBC News
14-05-2025
- General
- NBC News
Gardening season is finally upon us — here's 23 products to keep in your toolkit
Spring is here, and for some of us, that means one thing, and one thing only: it's finally time to get back into the garden. That being said, having the right tools can go a long way in helping your garden flourish. '[There's no] golden rule and every plant is unique,' says Rebecca Sears, the chief gardening guru for Green Garden Products, owner of Ferry-Morse Gardening. 'Enjoy the learning process and the highs of the harvest, and learn from the lows.' If you're a first timer or in desperate need of new tools, we consulted experts for gardening tips and the best products to keep at home. How we picked the best gardening tools To round up the best gardening tools, we asked experts about products they deem essential for gardeners of all levels, especially for beginners assembling their first toolkit. They're listed below, alongside highly rated options, some of which come recommended by NBC Select editors who garden in their free time. Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter. The best indoor gardening tools You can plant seeds directly in your garden, of course, but some beginners may benefit from starting inside first. Experts told us it's easier to control conditions like light, moisture and warmth indoors while protecting plants from bugs, parasites and diseases in their early stages. Sears also says starting indoors helps you get a jump on the growing season, especially when it comes to edible plants like fruits, vegetables and herbs. 'If you live in a colder climate, what you prefer to grow may need longer to mature than your growing season can accommodate,' she explains. If you're interested in planting indoors, below are a few items experts recommend to help you get started. Best grow light: GooingTop Grow Light Grow lights provide indoor seedlings with the light they need to grow healthy and strong without becoming 'leggy,' or floppy to the point that they're falling over, Sears says. Grow lights also prevent plants from reaching toward a light source that's far away. This grow light clips onto tables and countertops, and you can program it to automatically turn on and off at four, eight and 12-hour intervals, according to the brand. It utilizes a red and white LED light combination — together, lights of these colors help regulate plant growth and support them as they flower or reach maturity, experts told us. A heat mat is the secret to speedy seed germination, according to Sears. The mat gives off heat, signaling to seeds that it's time to start growing. This heat mat is flexible and water-resistant, according to the brand. It comes with a digital thermostat that you can use to adjust the mat's temperature. The mat is available in four sizes: 10-by-20.75 inches, 3-by-20 inches, 20-by-20 inches and 48-by-20.75 inches. Best seed starting pots: Jiffy Peat Pots If you're starting seeds indoors, using a biodegradable, plantable pot reduces shock to the plant when it's moved and prevents damage to the roots, Sears says. You can start your seeds indoors in Jiffy Peat Pots, which are made from organic peat, and plant both the pot and the plant in the ground once it's ready to go outside, according to the brand. The best outdoor gardening tools Beginners should start with a few basic tools, like a shovel and a hoe. Sears recommends keeping gardening tools in a weather-proof beverage cooler — you can put it next to your outdoor garden, in your garage or on your patio or deck. As your garden (and interest) grows, you will likely develop a collection of tools that work best for you and your garden. Pruners are an essential tool, and 'everyone must have at least one [pair],' says Carmen DeVito, founder of garden and landscape design company Garden Cult. You can use these scissor-like tools to cut stems, branches and weeds, and to shape bushes and other greenery. Felco makes a variety of pruners that vary in size and cutting width, but DeVito recommends the Felco #6 pruner specifically — it's built with aluminum handles and steel blades, and it has a narrow pointed tip, which helps you cut closer to plants' stems, according to the brand. These scissors are helpful for harvesting herbs, deadheading and cutting flowers to bring into the house, DeVito says. The stainless steel blades on these shears are sharp enough to cut through chicken bones, and they're suitable for both right-handed and left-handed gardeners, according to the brand. Best soil knife: Nisaku Hori Hori Soil Knife While soil knives are not an essential gardening tool, DeVito says they're useful for transplanting young plants and weeding. You can also use them to divide perennial plants, open plastic bags and cut twine. Nisaku's Hori Hori Soil Knife has a 7.25-inch stainless steel blade with inch markings on it and a wood handle. One side of the blade has a straight edge and the other has a serrated edge. Sears says you can use a hand trowel to dig small holes and mark rows in the ground to plant seeds. The head of this hand trowel is made from cast aluminum, a lightweight and rust-resistant material that shouldn't bend if you hit a rock while digging, according to the brand. A round head shovel is useful for digging large holes, moving soil and adding soil to pots and gardening beds, according to Sears. This shovel has a 48-inch handle made from fiberglass, which is sturdy and gives the handle a good grip, according to the brand. Its head is made from tempered steel. NBC Select SEO editor Nikki Brown recommends these stakes for propping up tomato vines, and says she uses them herself every year. The stakes are made from natural bamboo and range in size from 13 to 17 mm, according to the brand. Brown also says they give her more freedom and versatility than the plastic stakes she's seen used before. These raised garden beds are a favorite of Brown's, who says they're easy to assemble and surprisingly lightweight. The thin ridge design makes them great for attaching pest-repelling netting, and they're made from an anti-corrosive metal that Brown says holds up through multiple growing seasons. Best garden bin: TubTrug TubTrugs, which come in multiple colors and sizes, are versatile bins you can treat as potting stations or tool carriers — you can also use them to mix soil, collect plants and vegetables when you're harvesting them or pile up weeds, DeVito says. They also have two handles, giving you a place to grip if you're moving the bin around your garden or transporting it from a shed to the yard. 'A garden stool and kneeler is a great item to have on hand in the garden to protect your back and knees as we get into the thick of the busy spring season,' DeVito says. You can either sit on the stool or flip it over and kneel on top of the platform, which lifts you off the ground a few inches so you don't have to bend down. You can fold this garden kneeler and seat flat when it's not in use. It weighs less than 6 pounds, making it manageable for most gardeners to carry around their yards by themselves. The platform you kneel or sit on is made from EVA foam and the product's metallic frame can support up to 330 pounds, according to the brand. It comes with a detachable tool pouch to store your tools, too. This tumbling composter comes recommended by DeVito in our guide to the best compost bins. It can hold up to 37 gallons of compost, and is made from 100% recycled plastic with a dual-chamber design and removable door that makes it easy to add to and remove your compost, according to the brand. It also has fins on the interior to help break up clumps, and a hole to help with soil aeration. Brown uses this net ing to keep birds and animals away from her growing plants. It's made from a polypropylene fibre that's UV protected, according to the brand. They can be attached to the edges and ends of beds to help protect your garden — 'I usually attach them to my garden beds with clothes pins,' she says. The best plant nutrients and supplies It's important to remember that plants are living organisms — they need nutrients to support their growth just like we do. Here are a handful of fertilizer and vitamin options you may want to consider. Fertilizer adds nutrients into soil that plants aren't getting otherwise or aren't getting enough of. Experts recommend performing a soil test to identify nutrient deficiencies in your garden and determine the best type of fertilizer. If you're looking for an all-purpose fertilizer, DeVito says she loves Fox Farm's, which comes as a powder. You can use it on flowers, greenery, edible plants and more, according to the brand. It contains a blend of nutrients and soil microbes like nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, and the fertilizer may help improve water absorption in various root systems, according to Fox Farm. Fertilizers designed for vegetable gardens address specific nutrient needs that help plants mature, experts told us. This liquid blend contains ingredients like seaweed, molasses, yucca extract and humic acids, as well as fresh fish. DeVito says the fish gives this fertilizer a stronger odor compared to other options, but added that it's worth it due to the extra nutrients it gives your plants. To keep plants healthy, Sears recommended using a vitamin solution made with kelp, which helps boost plants' ability to perform photosynthesis and promotes root growth. In addition to containing kelp to support plant health, this vitamin solution also adds nutrients back into soil, according to the brand. Sears uses SUPERthrive Organic All-Purpose Plant Food, too. The best gardening apparel It's important to be comfortable while outside, especially if you're spending a lot of time planting, weeding and watering in the sun. Experts suggest investing in a high-quality pair of boots and gardening gloves for multiple seasons. UPF clothing and UPF sun hats can also help keep you protected from sun overexposure. As long as you don't garden in open-toed shoes, most footwear that's comfortable and supportive with good traction and a thick sole will work well, DeVito says. But if you're digging a lot or working in a particularly wet area, she suggested investing in gardening boots. Bogs slip-on boots are water-resistant and they have a cushioned sole to keep feet comfortable, according to the brand. They come in women's sizes 6 to 11, and they're available in colors like Mocha, Sage and Black. Gardening boots can make your feet hot and may feel heavy if you live in warmer or humid climates. In those cases, DeVito said gardening clogs are an alternative option. The Super-Birki from Birkenstock are made from polyurethane, which is a water-resistant and dirt-repellent material, according to the brand. The clogs are designed with a cork-latex footbed that's lined with moisture-wicking fabric, which the brand says is easy to clean. They're available in colors like yellow, black, green and more, and come in both men's and women's sizes. Best gloves: Showa Atlas Gloves When shopping for a pair of gardening gloves, DeVito recommended looking for ones with rubber on the bottom and fabric on the top to protect both sides of your hands. She also said to make sure they're machine-washable so they're easy to clean. These gardening gloves meet DeVito's guidance and come in colors like black and white. Brown also suggests these Style Selections gloves, which are made from 100% buffalo leather to better withstand the everyday wear of garden work, according to the brand. They have an extra-long cuff and adjustable wrist loops for a comfortable fit, and a poly-blend material on the back of the hands for extra breathability. These overalls are Brown's preferred garden outfit — they have elasticized straps, and double-layered legs and knees for extra protection, according to the brand. The overalls have 12 pockets, UPF 50 sun protection, and are designed so that dirt brushes right off — perfect for days spent digging in the soil. This is one of our top UPF hat picks because of its stylish design and high level of protection. It's made from braided straw in a fedora style that keeps the sun's powerful rays from getting through, according to the brand. It also has a removable drawstring and an adjustable, built-in strap to help you get the best fit. Gardening involves constantly kneeling by your bed, which is why it's good to keep a pair of knee pads handy. Brown recommends these inserts to help pad your knees — they're slim and lightweight, and can be fitted into work pants with built-in pockets, according to the brand. The pads are also water-resistant. How to start gardening outdoors Still not sure exactly how to set up your garden? Not to worry — below, we compiled tips from our gardening experts, including advice on watering, choosing your first plants, and more. While it can be tempting to spontaneously start digging and planting seeds in your backyard, Sears said it's important to first consider what types of plants will grow best where you live. Factors like light, temperature and space all play into how well plants grow, she explained. As a first step, Sears recommended consulting the United States Department of Agriculture's Plant Hardiness Zone Map, which can help you figure out the best times to plant. Also, consider how much sunlight your garden will get. If you live in an area where intense heat waves are common, Sears says you can place bed sheets, umbrellas or canopies over the plants to provide some shaded relief. When it comes to watering your garden, Sears suggests doing so in the early morning to avoid evaporation, which can happen later in the day when the sun is stronger. She advised against overhead watering — like watering plants with a watering can or a hose — because it can lead to two issues: leaf burn, since sunlight is amplified through water droplets, and leaf fungal diseases if water pools on leaves. Instead, Sears said using a soaker hose or installing an irrigation system is best. If you don't have a yard to garden in, opt for a portable stand planter — they're a great addition to patios or balconies and allow for drainage and root aeration while also managing plant temperature, Sears explained. Since the planter is portable, you can move it around to find the spot with the best sunlight, too. You can also turn to planters and raised garden beds if you're not ready to put plants directly in the ground yet. Using planters gives you more control over a plant's water intake and sun exposure, Sears said. She notes that herbs like basil, oregano and rosemary grow well in containers, as do flowers like petunias, zinnias and marigolds. Alternatively, Sears said you can plant seedlings, which are live baby flower, herb and vegetable plants that have an established root system. Using seedlings allows gardeners to skip the seed germination process. They're also useful if it's too late in the growing season to start your seeds indoors, Sears said. You can plant seedlings directly into the ground or in pots with soil. For beginner gardeners, Sears suggests starting with easy-to-grow flower varieties like sunflowers and marigolds. Edible plants like basil, zucchini, beans and cucumbers can be grown by gardeners of any skill level, too. Meet our experts At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Why trust NBC Select? Zoe Malin is an NBC Select reporter who has written guides about raised garden beds, indoor pots and more. Ashley Morris is an associate SEO reporter for NBC Select covering garden and wellness, including stories about composting, gardening gloves and more. For this piece, Malin interviewed two experts to gather their tips and product recommendations, and researched additional gardening tools on the market with their guidance in mind.
NBC News
12-05-2025
- General
- NBC News
The best weeding tools to make your hardest garden task (at least slightly) easier
I know you don't want to hear it because it often sucks to execute, but according to all of our experts, getting rid of weeds is crucial for keeping a healthy garden. We consulted gardening experts to learn about weed maintenance and the best weeding tools for every type of garden and gardener. If left unchecked, the weeds in your garden can absolutely destroy the patch of land that you spent so much time tending to. And honestly, that maintenance sucks half as much with the right tools, like a garden knife or spading fork. As you get more comfortable taking care of your garden, or your weeds become more difficult to remove, you should try a long-handled garden hoe for weeds with shallow roots or a spading fork for older weeds with deep roots. Is weeding important? Eliminating weeds from your garden actually helps plants grow, in addition to the aesthetic appeal of a weed-free flower or vegetable bed. 'The soil in your garden is filled with nutrients that your plants compete for — the fewer weeds in your garden, the more food available for your plants, making them more productive and likely to succeed,' says Rebecca Sears, the chief marketing officer at home gardening company Green Garden Products. 'This holds true for sunlight and water as well. Weeds will compete for the resources that your garden plants need to stay healthy.' Experts also told us that weeds can bring dangerous plant diseases into your garden and attract more pests to the area. Eliminate weeds when you spot them to avoid this. Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter. The best weeding tools for every gardener in 2025 Below, we recommend highly rated weeding tools that meet our experts' guidance. Some are better for stubborn weeds (the garden knife or the Cape Cod weeder), and others are great at handling weeds with shallow roots (the long-handled garden hoe or the spading fork). All of them can help make cleaning your backyard a little easier. Sears says a handheld garden cultivator is important for those who garden daily. 'It is great for breaking up compacted soil and reducing weed growth [and] the three prongs allow for tight weed removal around smaller plant stems,' she explains. This Edward Tools Aluminum Hand Cultivator has hooked aluminum tines to do just that — as well as an ergonomic handle with a rubber palm rest and a contoured finger grip, according to the brand. Several of our experts say gardening knives are great for removing every part of the weed — including the stubborn roots. 'The handiest tool you'll ever meet is a good soil knife,' says Teri Valenzuela, the Natural Science Manager at Sunday Lawn Care. Jeremy Starke, a gardening expert and founder of vegetable gardening website Green Thumb Gardener, is a fan of the Japanese multipurpose tool called a Hori Hori knife. Compared to a typical gardening knife, it's larger and has measurements on the blade that help indicate the soil depth while planting. 'Sometimes you have a weed that you can't quite pull with your hand, so using the Hori Hori really helps to pry them out,' says Starke. This one has a Japanese stainless steel concave blade and, according to the brand, it's both rust-proof and scratch-resistant. Our experts recommend a long-handled garden hoe for weeds with shallow roots. You won't have to bend over when you pull out the weeds, and its broad blade can handle lots of different roots and stems. This hoe from Craftsman has a looped steel blade that lets you easily push and pull on weeds and a slim wood handle for ease of use, according to the brand. A Cape Cod weeder is great for pulling weeds in tight spaces, according to experts, and this one from Carrot Design is made of beech hardwood with a steel blade and neck. The brand says you use the pointed end of the weeder to drag at ground level and cut the weeds at the roots — or dig out the root with its sharp tip. Cape Cod weeders are configured based on your dominant hand, so make sure you order accordingly. If your main problem is dandelions, you might want to consider a dandelion weeder, otherwise known as a fishtail weeder. This one is made from stainless steel and has a two-pronged fork design that's meant to grab weeds by their roots. It has a soft-gripped handle with a contoured finger design, too. A paving or patio weeder, like this one suggested by Carmen DeVito — the founder of garden and landscape design company Garden Cult and a certified New York State landscape professional — is designed to weed in corners and in between concrete, which can be an especially annoying task according to our experts. This tool is precisely angled for easier weed removal, according to the brand. George Bernadon, the VP of grounds management at SSC Services for Education, which provides support services for educational institutions, says he uses a spading fork 'for more difficult or mature weeds with deeper roots,' and the True Temper 4-Tine Spading Digging Fork has four diamond-pointed steel tines for easy digging, according to the brand. 'I can insert the fork into the ground around the weed from varying directions to loosen the soil around the roots,' he says, adding that the process 'aerates the soil around desirable plants.' He also notes that a spading fork can be used by novices and experts alike. For weeding small garden areas, DeVito suggests this handheld hoe from Barebones. It has an ergonomic, stainless steel blade and walnut handle for a smooth and easy grip, according to the brand. The cutting stirrup head moves front to back for better angles when cutting weeds, which makes removal much easier and more efficient. For larger areas, DeVito likes this versatile double tool from the Gardener's Supply Company, which combines the benefits of a cultivator and a hoe. You can loosen the soil and weed plants at the same time, making it a great option for gardeners looking to save space or money on tools. It's made from sustainably-grown ash and a durable, high-carbon boron steel, according to the brand. According to DeVito, this tool is ideal for gardeners with mobility or pain issues, like arthritis. Using the circular head, the tool pulls through soil to loosen and cut weeds without making too much of a mess — its head is sharp only on the bottom, so as to precisely cut through the underground roots of weeds, according to the brand. The shank and blade are made from solid steel, while the handle is made from beech hardwood. Best for soft soil: Grampa's Weeder This bamboo weeder is one of our favorite gardening products from Amazon — it uses a metal claw to hook into the center of the weed and pull it from the root, according to the brand. It has a 45-inch shaft, so you can pull weeds without bending or kneeling, and is also great for softer soil, especially when wet. How to shop for weeding tools Weeding tools differ in shape and size as well as form and function (some weeding tools only make sense if you're gardening above or around pavers, for example). When looking at a new tool for weeding, pay close attention to its length, durability, intended use and the weeds you'll be using it on. Tool length: Weeding tools are typically either short-handled (for hand-weeding) or long-handled (for standing). Like the name suggests, short-handled tools are better for tougher tasks that require more strength. Valenzuela suggests hand weeders for anyone without kneeling or back problems. 'With the short handle options you have even more control to remove only the weeds and not harm your thriving plants,' says Sears. Long-handled tools, meanwhile, allow you to weed while standing and can cover more area at once — this puts less pressure on your joints but also doesn't give you as much power while you weed. 'For those who prefer not to bend, a standing weeder provides the convenience of removing weeds without the back strain,' says Valenzuela. Durability and comfort: Both Valenzuela and DeVito say it's important to choose a durable, comfortable weeding tool that will last a long time. 'It will get a lot of work, so I want a sturdy, well-made tool of solid metal that won't bend or break after a season,' says DeVito. Valenzuela also recommends testing a few different tools in your garden to see which works best before making a decision. 'Sometimes what looks great in the store doesn't feel quite right in the yard,' she says. 'It's worth taking the time to find a tool that you'll actually enjoy using.' Garden type/size: Different weeding tools are designed for different types of gardens and their accompanying weeds. A Cape Cod weeder, for instance, is designed for tighter spaces, while a paving weeder is meant for getting rid of weeds growing in between or on top of concrete slabs or pavers. Age/size of the weeds handheld garden cultivator is better for everyday weeds, a spading fork can handle a weed with deeper roots. Frequently asked questions What is the best way to get rid of weeds? When getting rid of weeds, your ultimate goal should be to disturb as little of the soil as possible to prevent any new weeds from growing, says Valenzuela. She suggests repeatedly cutting or mowing down the weeds for larger patches to exhaust their energy reserves, which weakens them over time and makes them easier to pull. 'For smaller or standalone weeds, a precise application of herbicide can do the trick,' she says. For good measure, DeVito recommends smothering the weeds before applying any chemical weed killer, especially on open soil or emptier garden beds. 'Black trash bags or cardboard covers weighted with rocks or bricks will weaken weeds, making them easier to remove later,' she says. Lastly, Valenzuela recommends always following up your weeding with reapplying mulch or planting into the area. What should gardeners avoid when weeding? Valenzuela says that gardeners should avoid disturbing the soil without having a follow-up plan, since doing so could result in even more weeds growing. 'When you remove weeds, it's like rolling out the welcome mat for more weeds,' she says. DeVito also suggests making sure that you remove the entire plant, from root to stem, otherwise the weeds are sure to come back. What are the signs of a weed problem? Since a weed can be classified as any undesirable plant in your yard, Valenzuela says that the signs of a weed problem depend on your personal threshold. 'Not every plant needs to be removed or treated,' she says. Sometimes, the causes of your weed problems can be underlying issues with soil, which may take a long time to get under control. Weed seed banks in soil are strong, and can take a few seasons to fully manage. 'Stay patient and continue to replant the area alongside removal,' she says. 'You'll begin to see the results after a few years.' Both Valenzuela and DeVito agree that a weed is just a plant in the wrong place. 'A little acceptance of imperfection , along with a few weeds will go a long way to enjoying your garden spaces,' says DeVito. Meet our experts At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Rebecca Sears is the chief marketing officer at home gardening company Green Garden Products. Jeremy Starke is a gardening expert and founder of vegetable gardening website Green Thumb Gardener. George Bernadon is the VP of grounds management at SSC Services for Education, which provides support services for educational institutions. Carmen DeVito is the founder of garden and landscape design company Garden Cult and a certified New York State landscape professional. Why trust NBC Select? Justin Krajeski and Morgan Greenwald are former editors for NBC Select. Ashley Morris is an associate SEO reporter covering skin care, lifestyle, gardening and more for NBC Select. For this piece, they spoke to gardening experts to find out the best weeding tools and how to shop for them, along with everything you need to know about weeding your garden.
The Irish Sun
02-05-2025
- General
- The Irish Sun
I'm fed up with annoying weeds ruining my patio so tried 3 viral hacks to get rid of them – a FREE trick worked a treat
WITH the warm weather taking hold, it's more than a little tempting to dust off the barbecue and get the burgers cooking. But one thing that puts me off having a garden gathering is the state of my patio - with the weeds invading the cracks between every paving slab. Advertisement 7 I tried out three hacks on my patio - from left to right, white vinegar, salt and boiling water Credit: supplied 7 I'm definitely no gardener, but the hacks were easy enough for even me to give a go Credit: supplied And while there are countless products on the market claiming to get rid of the pesky plants, they're usually packed full of chemicals - and can be pricey too. So I decided to try three different hacks to see if any of them worked to kill the patio weeds once and for all. Vinegar victory? First off, white vinegar. While it has long been used for cleaning purposes, it seems to have become increasingly popular over the past year. Advertisement Read more Gardening stories From getting rid of limescale to removing marks from windows, there are few things the liquid apparently can't do. 7 White vinegar is commonly used for a variety of cleaning purposes - and apparently works as a weedkiller Credit: supplied 7 But I wasn't very impressed with the results - as it looked much the same as when I started Credit: supplied And apparently, white vinegar can also be used to get rid of weeds, thanks to the fact it contains acetic acid, which acts as a "contact herbicide". Advertisement "The acid within vinegar breaks down cell walls and removes moisture from weeds, causing them to die off," Rebecca Sears, chief marketing officer at Green Garden, "Vinegars that you keep in your kitchen, such as white vinegar, contain a level of acidity that can help remove weeds." Most read in Fabulous So, I splashed out on a huge jug of vinegar from Amazon - figuring that I can use it for a variety of other cleaning chores if it didn't work to kill weeds. To make the weed killing concoction, I used 75% of white vinegar with 25% water, and put a generous helping of table salt in there too. Advertisement Grow your groceries - how to grow tomatoes from tomatoes! I then put it into an empty spray bottle, and gave the weeds a generous soaking. Once that was done, I left the weeds for a week, to see whether or not white vinegar would answer my gardening prayers. The result? Well... not very successful, in all honesty. The weeds looked pretty much the same as when I started - with only a few of them starting to look brown around the edges. Advertisement Verdict: 1/5 Maybe this would work better if you were to use it on a daily basis, but as a one-off, it's not particularly effective. Keep pests out all summer Hornets and wasps - hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay. Moths - acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent. Flying ants - herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents. Mosquitoes - plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mossies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass. Shake it off Next on my list to try out was salt. Another cupboard staple that people turn to for other cleaning purposes, such as removing sticky spots from irons or keeping your coloured clothes nice and bright. Advertisement 7 On the slab I'd used salt on, the weeds had started to brown Credit: supplied But this time, I was using it in the garden. According to an This means the plant will then dry out and die. Advertisement Salt also adds toxic mineral ions to the soil, replacing calcium, magnesium and potassium - the minerals the plant needs to survive - with sodium, which is toxic to the greenery. I took 200g of table salt and dissolved it in one litre of water, adding a splash of white vinegar for good measure. You can use warm water for this, as a higher temperature of water will help the salt dissolve faster. I then poured this solution over the top of the weeds, and waited for a week. Advertisement Once again, the weeds had started to brown - slightly faster than the ones on the vinegar tile - but not particularly noticeably. Verdict: 2/5 Works better than the white vinegar but still not very effective. Wat-er hack One of the most popular hacks to use on weeds is boiling water. Advertisement And the reason this is so popular is that it's completely free. 7 Boiling water is another, completely free, hack that a lot of people swear by Credit: supplied 7 And for my patio it was clearly the most effective - with the weeds I'd poured the water on brown and pretty much dead Credit: supplied It works by causing "immediate and irreversible damage to the plant's cells", and is most effective on young weeds that have just made an appearance. Advertisement This is because it works by killing the roots - and those weeds that have really taken hold have thick roots, that won't be affected by the water. However, gardening writer Simon Akeroyd explained on Instagram that it's still worth trying out the water hack. "If it does manage to come back again it will be much weaker, and a quick second or third dose with boiling water will finish it off," Simply boil the kettle, and pour the water straight over the weeds. Advertisement But be careful when doing so - especially if you're wearing sandals - as the water could splash up on your feet. Out of the three hacks I tried, I wasn't holding out much hope for the water. But much to my surprise, it ended up being the most effective. While I left the tiles the same amount of time before checking the results, the weeds I hit with water were noticeably browner than the other two. Advertisement Verdict: 4/5 The most effective of all three hacks, and the cheapest. What's not to love?
