Weeds flourish only after receiving sufficient sunlight, explaining why countless numbers emerge simultaneously during spring, particularly thriving in warm spots such as gravel driveways or gaps between paving slabs. Eliminating weeds proves genuinely challenging, as their root systems penetrate deeply into crevices or dense soil, meaning that even after destroying the visible plant, regrowth typically occurs within weeks.

Nevertheless, Alan Titchmarsh has revealed a natural method to eradicate these nuisances without resorting to chemical treatments or spending a penny. All that's required is a basic garden hoe and sunny weather, as one of the most powerful weed-killing approaches involves harnessing the very sunlight that encourages their growth.

Weeds tend become a big problem in spring and hundreds can appear at once(Image: Getty)

In an online video, Alan explained: "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."

Sunlight alone won't typically destroy weeds, but Alan Titchmarsh reportedly offers a straightforward gardening method to desiccate them and prompt swift decay.

Simply glide a hoe over the gravel surface and slice through the weeds at their base. Afterwards, leave the severed weed undisturbed and attempt to keep as much gravel away from the now-exposed root system.

Alan Titchmarsh said a simple way to get rid of weeds is to use sunlight(Image: Getty)

Because the weed has been freshly severed, it becomes more susceptible, and during warm conditions, intense sunshine will thoroughly dehydrate the plant.

As reported by the Express, Alan explained: "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 method for eliminating weeds without manually pulling them or resorting to chemical treatments that damage the environment and potentially harms local wildlife.

Patio weeds can equally be destroyed using the sunlight method, though bear in mind that most garden hoes are built for soil use, making them cumbersome on paving slabs.

Hoes are weighty, increasing the risk of chipping stonework, so instead opt for a patio knife which proves far more practical and slots neatly into gaps.

Use a hoe or patio knife to get rid of weeds and then sunlight will help stop them growing back(Image: Getty)

Alan noted: "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 glide a patio knife gently through the joints, leave the weeds where they drop, and let the sunlight dry them out entirely.

This approach requires just minutes to implement, and ranks amongst the most efficient methods for clearing numerous weeds rapidly without wasting your afternoon yanking them out manually.