Winter gardening: The key to combating weeds and promoting regrowth

Weeded areas can often cause a state of high stress, especially if we aren't keen on weeding. Eliminating weeds can require a considerable amount of work and energy. Not to mention, we don't always have the time, or indeed the health, to constantly be in battle with them. February is a good time to start combating garden weeds, but having the right strategy in place is key.

Winter garden weeding is a little-known and, yet, effective method for tackling weeds before their roots become too established. This makes it incredibly easy to remove them, without expending huge amounts of time or energy. The benefits of weeding in February are many- you'll certainly feel grateful for it when spring arrives and everythinggreen is in full bloom again.

Dealing with weeds doesn't require a lot of strength or a bucket, in fact a homemade spray can do the job. Many people grow tired of hand weeding, finding it not only time-consuming but with minimal long-term effects. Using chemical sprays isn't an ideal solution either as it can significantly damage both the pavement and any nearby plants. It's best to skip these methods and opt for a safer alternative.

Not many people know this but boiling water works wonders at killing weeds. It's especially effective on weeds sprouting from cracks in pavements or cobbled areas as it doesn't damage the structure and quickly dries out the undesirable plants. An equally effective weed spray can be made from a 2:1 mixture of vinegar and water, which is much less harmful than most chemical weed killers. When using this concoction, it's important to be mindful not to get it on other plants or grass, as it may do more harm than good.

Another practical remedy for garden weeds is a mixture of just under a pint of water (approx 0.95l), with an ounce of salt (approx 28g), a cup of vinegar and a teaspoon of dish soap. Simply combine these ingredients and apply directly to the offending weeds. You'll find that this homemade preparation is extremely effective at killing weeds, right down to their roots.