Weeds on gravel and patios appear in numerous different varieties. There are grass-like weeds such as henbit and purslane, and woody weeds including broadleaf or dandelions - all of which have absolutely no trouble establishing themselves in large numbers.

But the most challenging aspect isn't simply attempting to eliminate them, it's moving quickly enough to prevent them from suddenly dominating the area. However, addressing weeds in your gravel driveway or patio surfaces doesn't necessaily mean resorting to harmful chemicals that could damage your garden or endanger pets.

One of the most frequently recommended natural approaches for removing gravel weeds involves using white vinegar.

Whilst vinegar "may well kill some small weeds", if the objective is to eliminate them permanently then "vinegar will not work", according to Chelsey, gardening expert at Good Grow. 

She clarified that vinegar "simply burns away the visible part of the weed", and although it may appear dead and seem dead, the roots remain undamaged and will regrow.

If gardeners wish to employ a homemade weed killer on their driveway or patios, then "rock salt is the way to go".

They stated: "Rock salt is actually a super-effective and totally natural weed killer that is ace at clearing a gravel driveway."

Just scatter some rock salt around any visible weeds and then relax as you "watch as the salt kills the weeds in just a matter of days". The experts were amazed, saying "it's almost unbelievable".

Whilst table salt can serve as a weed killer, if your driveway hosts numerous weeds that you want eliminated permanently then you'll need to utilise rock salt. It's the "fastest way to kill weeds on your drive forever".

Gardening specialists at Joe's Lawn Care also support using rock salt to destroy gravel weeds.

The professionals noted that rock salt delivers "long-term results", so it's not recommended for parts of the garden where you wish to cultivate flowers or vegetables.

They clarified: "The salt will gradually seep into the ground where it was sprinkled, preventing any weeds (or plants) from being able to grow there for a while.

"Now that may sound absolutely perfect for your gravel driveway situation, but just make sure you are conservative with the amount you sprinkle and where you sprinkle it."

Rock salt can be bought at most major supermarkets and costs £1.25 at Sainsbury's.