The Toolbox Essential That Can Remove The Pesky Weeds From Your Yard

While kitchen ingredients like baking soda, Epsom salt, and vinegar are household solutions that fight unwanted weeds in the garden, they aren't the only DIY options. There's one tool for removing pesky weeds that might be even better, and that item is none other than your basic screwdriver. Whether or not you're someone who tends to reach for tools regularly, chances are you probably have a screwdriver in your possession. If not, it might be time to pick one up to finally rid your garden of invasive weeds.

If you've attempted the other popular homemade methods, such as sprinkling vinegar or baking soda to choke out unwanted plants, and you're still struggling to control the growth in your yard, you might want to give this easy hack a try. The next time you spot a few intrusive plants that need de-rooting, grab your screwdriver and start pulling the weeds out by the root. Anyone can try this trick, but note that it might not work with every type of weed.

Before tackling your weeds with a screwdriver, it's essential to examine the plant to see if this method will even be effective on the specific variety. For some weeds with shallow root systems, you might not need an entire tool in order to get rid of them. Weeds with thick roots, however, are the perfect victim for the screwdriver technique. Make sure to grab a screwdriver that has a longer shaft, at least eight to ten inches, so that you can dig underneath the weed. While you can use any type of screwdriver for this task, some gardening experts recommend using a flathead, as it can give you better leverage.

To de-root your weeds, simply insert the screwdriver all the way down into the ground at a diagonal to the weed. This tool works best on dry soil, but can work on moist soil as well. Once the tool is inserted and snug beneath the weed, pry it up by the handle, lifting the entire plant and root with it. Depending on what type of weed you're attempting to eradicate, it may take a few tries to remove the entire root system. This hack saves you from having to dig out the roots with your hands and can save you time in the long run.