I've never actually tried boiling water, but now I'm curious... might give it a shot this weekend. The vinegar and dish soap combo has been my go-to for ages, especially when prepping properties for sale. Polymeric sand is definitely worth the effort though—did a patio last summer and it's held up surprisingly well. Still get a few stubborn sprouts here and there, but way less than before.
Yeah, polymeric sand is solid stuff—definitely cuts down on weeds big time. Boiling water works alright for quick spot treatments, but honestly, it's kind of a hassle if you've got a larger area. Another trick I've used is sprinkling baking soda into the cracks after pulling weeds; it messes with the soil pH just enough to slow regrowth. Not perfect, but cheap and easy enough to be worth a shot...
Polymeric sand definitely has its merits, but I've found it can sometimes be a bit tricky if you ever need to adjust or reset your patio stones later on. Once it's set, it's pretty much locked in place, which is great for stability but not so great if you're someone who likes to rearrange or update your patio layout every few years (like me). I learned this the hard way when I decided to expand my patio area last summer—breaking up polymeric sand joints was no fun at all.
The baking soda trick is interesting, though I've personally had mixed results with it. It does slow down weed growth temporarily, but after a few rains, I noticed weeds popping back up again. Maybe it depends on the climate or soil type? I'm not sure.
One alternative I've had decent luck with is using white vinegar diluted with a bit of dish soap. It's inexpensive and easy to apply with a spray bottle. Granted, it's not a permanent solution either, but it seems to keep weeds at bay longer than baking soda in my experience. Just be careful not to overspray onto nearby plants or grass you actually want to keep alive... learned that lesson too!
Another thing worth mentioning—regular sweeping and occasional pressure washing can make a huge difference in keeping weeds from taking root in the first place. Dirt and debris build-up between stones creates the perfect environment for weeds to thrive, so staying on top of basic maintenance can save you headaches down the road.
Anyway, just thought I'd share my two cents since I've tried most of these methods at one point or another. Every patio situation is different though, so what works for one person might not work as well for another.
I've had pretty good luck sprinkling cornmeal between my patio stones—sounds weird, I know, but apparently it stops weed seeds from germinating. It's cheap and safe around pets and kids too. Doesn't last forever, especially after heavy rains, but it's easy enough to reapply every few weeks or so. Might be worth a try if you're looking for another budget-friendly option...
"sounds weird, I know, but apparently it stops weed seeds from germinating."
Ha, weird or not, if it works, it works. I've tried stranger things myself—like vinegar sprays that made my patio smell like a salad dressing disaster. Might give cornmeal a shot next time weeds invade...
