Novice gardener (!) - should I put weedkiller between patio slabs?

[crokky]

I really don't know anything about gardening so please be gentle with me!

We have moved and the garden has not been looked after hardly at all for about 4 or 5 years so we are trying to sort it out so that DC can enjoy it. (Have 2 yo and baby). There is a patio outside the back door and inbetween the slabs, there is pea gravel. However, there are loads and loads of weeds coming through the gravel and even though we pulled them up as carefully as we could, they come back (not just a few, there are sooooooo many!). Even a small red flower came up through the gravel! Anyway is there anything that is safe/env friendly to put on the patio to kill the weeds? Am worried about kids etc and mum's dog comes over sometimes as well. Are there products designed for places where kids crawl on etc?

[moyasmum]

I think pathclear is safe to use around pets and people after it has dried. You will have to check the packet, inm afraid.

Plants dont like salt ,so if there is no problem with run off you could make a strong solution of salt and water and pour it over.

maybe someone else has more ideas?

[Pannacotta]

I'd be very careful about using weedkiller witk DCs and pets around (I never use it) - its also v bad for sildlife, birds etc.
You could look for organic weed control on google, or try the flame weed killer thing on here?

www.harrodhorticultural.com/HarrodSite/pages/search/search.asp?txtSearch=weed+killer&submitflag=true &ctgry=Harrod&serial=08061654690727231

[MadBadandDangeroustoKnow]

If you want to avoid chemicals (although most claim to be safe to use around chcildren and pets) then the flame gun is probably the best bet. For most weeds - although not the really persistent ones like horsetail - you could try just using boiling water, which should kill the roots.