Haha, boiling water does have that dramatic flair—like you're sentencing weeds to the Wall or something. I've tried the salt trick too, and it definitely works, but yeah...I've accidentally sacrificed a few innocent bystanders (sorry, begonias).
A couple other things I've found helpful:
- Cornmeal: Sounds weird, but sprinkling cornmeal into cracks can prevent weed seeds from germinating. It's not instant magic, but over time it does reduce how many weeds pop up. Plus, it's safe for pets and kids.
- Polymeric sand: If you're up for a bit more work upfront, polymeric sand between patio stones seals the gaps pretty well. Weeds struggle to push through it once it's set. Just make sure to sweep it in thoroughly and wet it down properly—otherwise you get a crumbly mess.
- Torch weeding: Speaking of Game of Thrones vibes...a propane torch is oddly satisfying (and quick). Obviously, safety first and keep water handy just in case. But lightly scorching weeds kills them fast without chemicals. Just don't linger too long or you'll scorch the patio stones themselves (ask me how I know).
Honestly though, weeds are stubborn little things. I think it's about finding a balance between effort and results. If I can spend less time pulling weeds and more time enjoying the patio with a cold drink, that's good enough for me.
Cornmeal, huh? Hadn't heard of that one before...might give it a shot in the spring. I've used polymeric sand on my old brick patio, and it definitely made a huge difference—though I learned the hard way about getting it wet evenly (hello crumbly patches). Torch weeding sounds fun, but knowing me, I'd probably end up torching more than just weeds. I'd rather keep my eyebrows intact.
"Torch weeding sounds fun, but knowing me, I'd probably end up torching more than just weeds. I'd rather keep my eyebrows intact."
Haha, same here—I can already picture the disaster. I've been curious about polymeric sand myself, but the price tag always makes me hesitate. Did you find it worth the cost overall? I've heard mixed things about durability over time, especially in areas with harsh winters. Wondering if it's really a long-term solution or just a temporary fix...
