Weeds growing on gravel paths and patios are a pain, but Alan Titchmarsh has an easy and effective method to kill them without using any chemicals13:37, 23 Jun 2026Garden weeds only start to appear once they get sufficient sunlight, which is why so many spring up at once during the warmer months, flourishing in sunny spots such as gravel driveways or between patio slabs.‌Getting rid of weeds can be an incredibly challenging gardening task, as their roots often burrow deep into cracks or compacted soil, meaning that even after you pull out the visible growth, it typically returns within just a few weeks.‌However, Alan Titchmarsh has shared a natural approach to tackle these weeds without resorting to any chemical treatments or spending a single penny. All you need is a basic garden hoe and a sunny day, as one of the most powerful ways to destroy weeds is to harness the very same sunlight that allows them to flourish.‌In an online video, Alan said: "What you are trying to do with your Dutch hoe is separate the [weed] from its roots and that way it will cook once it's exposed to sunshine."How do you eliminate gravel weeds?Sunlight on its own won't usually kill weeds, but Alan Titchmarsh has a straightforward gardening technique to dry them out and make them shrivel up quickly, reports the Express.‌Simply run a hoe across the gravel surface and slice through the weeds at their base. Then, leave the severed weed where it lies and try to keep as much gravel away from the now-exposed roots as you can.Since the weed has just been cut, it will be far more vulnerable, and on a warm day, the intense sun will completely dehydrate the plant. Alan said: "Don't try and dig with the hoe. Remember, you're always skimming. The more of the weed root you can expose to the drying rays of the sun, the quicker they will die."It's a straightforward yet highly effective way to eliminate weeds without pulling them up or resorting to harsh chemical treatments that can harm the environment and threaten local wildlife.‌Can you use sunlight to remove patio weeds?Patio weeds can be tackled using the sunlight method too, although it's worth bearing in mind that most garden hoes are built for use on soil, and they can be tricky to handle on slabs.Hoes are heavy, and you're at greater risk of chipping the stone. A patio knife would be a far superior option, proving much more effective and slipping neatly into the gaps.Article continues belowAlan said: "When it comes to patios and terraces made of stones...if you do find there's soil between your paving slabs and weeds are growing there, a patio knife is really quite useful."Simply run a patio knife carefully along the joints, allow the weeds to drop naturally, and let the sunlight dry them out completely.This approach takes just a few minutes and remains one of the most efficient ways to quickly clear your garden of a substantial number of weeds without spending your afternoon on your hands and knees pulling them out manually.