Boiling water is an effective way to kill weeds without using chemicals.

It's best used for annual weeds, in cooler weather, and far away from plants you don't want to kill.

Other effective methods include hand-pulling and using vinegar.

It's a joy to watch your plants thrive, but that happiness can quickly turn to panic when you notice weeds in the garden. Weeds are generally unwanted plants that find their way into your soil and some can be invasive or harm your well-kept plants or lawn. The key to getting rid of these undesired invaders doesn't have to be a .

It can be as simple as boiling water, but how does it work? We asked gardening experts about how this simple trick can be a good DIY weed killer—and how to use it safely with your plants.

Anna Hackman is a farmer and managing member at The Naked Botanical.

Alex Watson is a gardener and the founder of The Garden Guys.

Using boiling water to eliminate weeds is pretty simple.

Fill a tea kettle (with a non-metal handle) with some water.

Place it on the stove and heat to a boil, then bring it outside to your garden.

Pour it onto the leaves and have it soak down into the roots of the unwanted weeds.