Salt is the secret ingredient to kill weeds

Brits have been told that salt could be the secret ingredient for a healthy and luscious garden, according to a garden boss.

Chris Bonnett, founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk  has shared his little known secret of using table salt around the garden to kill weeds and remove rust.

Mixing this kitchen cupboard staple with lemon or lime juice makes a great paste that can be applied to rusted furniture or tools. Simply rub the paste onto the area then rinse and dry.

Salt can also be mixed with water and poured onto weeds to dehydrate and damage the plants tissues, causing them to wilt and die.

It’s best to use this method on individual weeds in between slabs and bricks as the salt water can ruin soil and surrounding plants.

Chris Bonnett said: “Salt has many purposes around the garden that people are probably unaware of and it can solve a lot of problems.

“For example it’s amazing for removing rust when mixed with some lemon or lime juice.

“This is thanks to the acidity in lemon juice which helps to loosen the rust. The salt is the mild abrasive that helps to buff it away without leaving any scratches behind.

“Not only is this a cheap and fantastic way to freshen up furniture and tools but it’s also great for those who want to stay clear of using harsh chemicals.”

Green thumbed Britons will also be interested to know that salt can be used to deter pests.

Bonnett continued: “Slugs and snails can be really damaging to a gardener and a lot of people struggle to keep them away.

“Sprinkling salt around the base of your plants is a really great way to keep them from destroying your hard work. This will create a barrier that they’ll be too scared to cross.

“It’s not just slugs, if you have an ant problem salt can also help keep these insects away.”