Many gardeners are familiar with the problem: as soon as a nice gravel path has been laid, weeds take root. However, you don't have to resort to chemicals to keep the paths free of weeds. There are some environmentally friendly measures that can also be used to keep gravelled areas permanently weed-free.

Weeding is time consuming but definitely the most environmentally friendly way to remove weeds

Which methods are suitable?

There is a lot you can do in advance to ensure that the gravel path does not become so overgrown with weeds. Before laying the stones, compact the ground with a vibrating plate (€499.00) and limit the path with an edging. Germinating weeds you can:

  • mechanical weeding,
  • rake off
  • destroy with hot water
  • burn off

The classic: weeding

In principle, a gravel path is easy to maintain due to the loose layer of stones. With a hand hoe, weeds can be pulled out together with the root. However, you have to regularly clear the path of newly germinating plants, which can be very tedious, especially on long paths.

Surface rake

By raking you prevent weed seeds from opening. Thoroughly rake the path and thoroughly remove any weed residue that comes up. The raking loosens the gravel at the same time and the path is smoothed in a visually appealing way.

Destroy weeds with hot water

Boiling water is a regular occurrence in the kitchen, for example when cooking potatoes or pasta. It's a shame to just end up down the drain, though, because the hot liquid is a good weed-fighting buddy.

Pour the cooking water directly onto the weed plants. These will shrink and can be easily removed.

Destruction with the flaming device

Gas or electrically powered flaming devices are not only suitable for paved areas. They can also be used to keep gravel paths weed-free in an uncomplicated way. It is sufficient to heat the weeds with the device for a short time. The plants then die and can then simply be raked off.

Limit graveled areas

An edging of sunken stones or concrete slabs prevents grass from growing into the gravel path. This saves you a lot of maintenance work.

tips

For the sake of the environment, do not use herbicides, because they not only damage the weeds, but also other plants, insects such as bees and bumblebees, and the microorganisms living in the soil.

Category:

Herbs