Gardening expert shares the exact time you should stop mowing before winter

Avid gardeners often struggle with weeds on patios and gravelled areas, and there are many ways to get rid of them - although some can be harmful to the environment

Gardening buffs grappling with the annoyance of weeds amidst their patios and gravel won't find moss intrusion unfamiliar, similarly plaguing patios and greens. Countless remedies for weed issues exist, though a good number can disrupt the fragile balance of your garden's ecosystem or possibly damage surfaces and foliage due to their chemical contents.

One commonly touted answer is the application of white vinegar on the weedy nuisances, however, patio specialist Simon Wardle from Armstrong Cheshire has cautioned against this measure, highlighting: "This is not always advisable, as the acid can damage the surface of the stones, particularly limestone or concrete pavers, as well as being harmful to wildlife and plants."

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Instead, Simon Wardle recommends a nifty trick for tea lovers - using boiling water straight from your kettle, which he dubs the "perfect solution".

Whether you're dealing with persistent weeds or new sprouts, this expert reassures that this resourceful method "will remove unsightly weeds from your patio and gravel for free"

He further outlines the effectiveness of this approach: "This targeted method not only means your patio will end up weed-free, but it ensures there's no damage to your patio, or the environment, as there is no leftover residue left around."

"The immediate results will start becoming visible within minutes as the boiling water begins breaking down the weed, with full results observable in just a couple of hours."

To implement this strategy, simply fill a kettle to the brim with water and bring it to a rolling boil.

A boiling kettle could be your secret weapon in the garden against stubborn weeds. Simon's top gardening tip involves safely carrying a hot kettle to the yard, carefully targeting weeds, and soaking them right at their core.

He reassured green-thumbed individuals that if they "wait for the magic to happen", the weedy invaders would wilt "in minutes", reminding them to reapply the hot water strategy whenever these unwanted guests reappear.

The science behind this sizzling tactic is straightforward; the boiling water "scalds the weeds by killing the leaves", which play a vital role in photosynthesis and help the weeds stay strong and resilient.

Simon's insights continue, as he notes that when poured, the heated water penetrates deep into nooks and crannies, weakening and sometimes even removing stubborn taproots with ease.

This scorching solution is perfect for tricky spots like driveways and patios but comes with a couple of warnings for any garden enthusiast ready to declare war on weeds.

It's crucial to avoid splashing this organic herbicide on lawn weeds or cherished garden flowers. Simon emphasises that the extreme heat will not only "will kill" both the grass and roots but can also strip defenses from leaves and damage plant roots - especially those that are still young.