Gardener hails simple DIY weed killer using just two ingredients

A green-fingered enthusiast has tested a homemade weed killer and says it's a must-try for gardeners - both beginners and experts - battling against persistent weeds. Following a tip from BBC Gardeners World Magazine, the gardener claims the solution is both simple andsurprisingly effective.

The secret is just two common household ingredients: distilled vinegar and bicarbonate of soda. "l used a 2:1 (two parts vinegar, one part bicarbonate) solution," Michael aka @themediterraneangardener said.

Once measured, he mixed the ingredients until the solution until it looked a specific colour.

Michael said: "Mix together until the solution is completely clear otherwise it will clog your spray bottle. Give the weed a really good soak," and that's all you need to do.

If you are going to try this, Michael says it is "best used on young weeds." Gardeners looking for a natural, cost-effective alternative to commercial weed killers may want to give this homemade formula a try.

This method is worth considering, as these plants can quickly spread and ruin your garden if not dealt with promptly. Tackling them early on is an effective way to manage their growth, though it can occasionally be challenging, as all gardeners know.

If you are unsure what plant you have in your garden and you think it's a weed, you can easily check. You can do so by visiting the Royal Horticultural Society website - RHS Gardening - and comparing pictures to what's in your garden.

In more helpful advice about weeds, experts from BBC's Gardeners' World Magazine have suggested that if people want to banish them for good, they can try and "use a garden hand trowel to remove spreading weeds like couch grass. If digging up perennials such as bindweed or nettles, dig deep using a garden fork and be sure to pull up the whole root, as tiny pieces left will become new weeds."

If you're struggling with weeds like dandelions or meadow grass, you can also remove them manually. Simply use a weeding tool or an old knife to scrape them out from the gaps between paving stones.

The BBC gardening gurus say: "Tease them out, roots and all. If you choose to use chemicals, you could also apply a residual path weedkiller afterwards, to prevent further weed growth."

Remember, if you're using a weed killer, "spray or dab onto dry leaves, when rain is not forecast", the BBC experts conclude. They further warn that you should "always read the label" of any products you are using, and wear the correct gear when doing gardening to protect yourself.