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Weeding block paving

AdRockAdRock Posts: 241
edited October 2022 in Problem solving
Without using roundup, what is the best way to tackle the weeds in block paving? Things like grass and sow thistle are easy to pull out but oxalis is proving to be a right pain! I can’t seem to remove all the root and it inevitably grows back. Someone suggested white vinegar and dish soap. Would this do the job? Other suggestions would be much appreciated 
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Posts

  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    edited October 2022


  • debs64debs64 Posts: 5,184
    I use a small sharp knife but to be honest block paving is a massive pain! 
  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,043
    I've used vinegar with salt and a squirt of washing up liquid. Has to be strong cleaning vinegar, not the sort you put on chips and salad.
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    I've seen metal brushes on long sticks. I don't know if they work because I haven't got block paving.
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • debs64debs64 Posts: 5,184
    There are lots of tools you can buy and I have tried many of them but nothing beats a small sharp knife and a cushion to sit on, I do a little at a time but it really is loves labours lost. 
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    I don't really have a problem with weeds in my small paving area (not sure why) but I tend to kick at dandelions and urban geum etc when I see them (foot like a hoe). I kick the green off as soon as I see it. Oxalis, majoram, erigeron, fgmn, ox eyes and others are fine, so I'm only looking out for one or two plants I'd rather not have.

    I also pinch out any buds flower heads immediately from plants I don't want, if I can't dig things out there and then. Don't let them flower.
  • WoodgreenWoodgreen Posts: 1,273
    I never ignore a dandelion.
    ( they're quite sensitive....)
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    edited October 2022
    "White vinegar and dish soap", looks like you have been getting USA-based advice on google.

    Normal malt vinegar (5% acetic acid) works for me.  Cheapest of course, you don't need a refined taste.  A light touch of washing up liquid to aid wetting of some weed leaves.  Yellow (purple) oxalis especially, water bounces off.

    For things like dandelion and oxalis, the roots will survive and  need multiple sprays.

    I see ads for flame throwers, a cooks flame gun would be cheaper.  I have never used one.
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    edited October 2022
    We have a big block paving drive. Hubby has electric weed killer,(expensive and useless)gas weed killer, not much better.Fancy tool, like Fire, but you wouldn't want to do a big area,and a stiff wire brush thing on a long handle. It's done monthly. (B*****y weeds seeding from neighbour,you know the ones) you can use a saline solution to water them as well. It takes several applications. Big weeds with huge roots,he actually lifts the individual pavers 
  • purplerallimpurplerallim Posts: 5,287
    I have the long handled wire brush with a metal pointed scraper on too. It works but is a never ending job. Between using this I also have a weed gas gun thingy, ok but keep it away from plastic pots and very dry areas🔥 🧯 weeding is a pain.
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