Vinegar is a jack-of-all-trades around the home. In addition to the zip it adds to pickles and many other favorite recipes, it's an effective window cleaner, disinfectant, stain remover, and more. But did you know that it's also very effective in the garden? Yes, using vinegar weed killer can help control weeds, which can be a win-win if you're looking for products that are less harsh on the environment than many synthetic herbicides. However, you wouldn't want to use this acidic liquid in all areas of your landscape because it could damage any plant it touches.
Here's what you need to know to effectively use vinegar for weed control in your yard.
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What Kind of Vinegar to Use
Regular white vinegar in the store ($4, Walmart) is 5% vinegar (acetic acid) and 95% water. While this can be used as a vinegar weed killer, it has several limitations. It works best on small, annual weeds that are less than two weeks old, and it will often require several applications to do the job.
You can up its efficacy by adding a cup of table salt and a tablespoon of liquid dish soap to a gallon of white vinegar. Usually, this mixture only kills the tops of the target weeds, leaving the roots that can regrow new shoots. And be aware that salt build-up in the soil from repeatedly using this homemade solution can mean nothing will grow in that area.
Household vinegar doesn't work well when sprayed on older weeds, perennials, or grasses. Drenching the roots will likely be required (fall is a good time to do this), and even then, it probably wouldn't have much effect. To get rid of tough, perennial weeds, a 20% vinegar solution is best. This type of vinegar, sometimes called horticultural vinegar ($25, The Home Depot), can be found at garden centers, farm stores, or online.
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How to Apply Vinegar Weed Killer
The safest places to use vinegar weed killer are between concrete seams in sidewalks, mulch or gravel paths, and driveways. It's usually easy to spray the vinegar in these areas without getting it on other plants. As with any weed killer, select a day that is at least 70°F and sunny to apply it. The substance will be most effective when plants are actively photosynthesizing. Avoid days that are windy or rainy. Wind can carry the vinegar to places you don't want it. Rain weakens it, diluting its effectiveness.
As with any weed killer or harsh material, follow safety precautions when using higher concentrations of vinegar: Don't get it on your skin or your eyes, and don't ingest it. Unlike household vinegar, the higher concentrated kinds of vinegar can burn the skin, harm the eyes, and cause bronchitis if inhaled.
Always read and follow the label directions for personal protections requirements and safe handling for all herbicides.
Vinegar is non-selective, meaning it will damage any plants and turf grass it touches, not just the weeds you are trying to kill. When you spray the vinegar onto weeds, make sure it isn't hitting other plants. If that isn't possible, paint the vinegar onto the weeds with a brush. Make sure the vinegar makes contact with all the foliage. The acetic acid in the vinegar will burn and dry out the leaves.
For a couple of days after applying the vinegar weed killer, you can expect the area to smell like a salad dressing exploded all over your yard. On the plus side, that powerful scent can deter deer, rabbits, and other pesky critters from entering your garden for a while. Wait at least two weeks before spraying again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take vinegar to kill weeds?
When used on the right kind of weeds, vinegar works within 24 hours.
Is vinegar safe to use as a weed killer around pets and small children?
Yes, it's safe. Vinegar won't harm either children or pets.
Will vinegar harm insects or other wildlife?
It can kill ants, spiders, and mosquitos. Vinegar can be lethal to bees, so if you grow plants to attract pollinators to your garden, it's better not to use vinegar to kill weeds where they grow.
Will vinegar weed killer damage concrete, metal, wood, or other surfaces?
Vinegar is an acid and can damage wood and marble, so it's a good idea to not spray it near planters or patios with these surfaces.
As an enthusiast in gardening and household applications of vinegar, I've extensively researched and practiced the multifaceted uses of vinegar as a natural herbicide, disinfectant, and cleaning agent. My expertise stems from practical applications in my own garden and home, backed by a deep understanding of the chemical properties of vinegar, particularly acetic acid, and its effects on various surfaces, plants, and organisms.
The article provides comprehensive insights into the versatile applications of vinegar, primarily focusing on its use as a weed killer in gardening. Here's a breakdown of the concepts covered:
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Types of Vinegar:
- Regular white vinegar: Contains 5% acetic acid and 95% water, suitable for young, annual weeds.
- Enhanced vinegar mixture: Adding table salt and liquid dish soap to white vinegar can improve effectiveness.
- 20% vinegar solution (horticultural vinegar): More potent and suitable for tougher, perennial weeds.
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Effectiveness and Limitations:
- Vinegar's efficacy is best against young weeds and may require multiple applications.
- Salt buildup from vinegar solutions can render the soil unsuitable for plant growth.
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Application Techniques:
- Ideal application areas include concrete seams, mulch/gravel paths, and driveways.
- Application during warm, sunny days when plants are actively growing is recommended.
- Safety precautions: Higher concentrations can harm skin, eyes, and may cause respiratory issues.
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Non-Selective Nature:
- Vinegar damages any plant it touches, not just the targeted weeds.
- Application techniques include careful spraying or brushing onto weeds to avoid affecting other plants.
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Aftermath and Precautions:
- The odor post-application can deter certain animals from entering the garden.
- Waiting period of at least two weeks between applications is advised.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Quick action against weeds: Vinegar can work within 24 hours against certain types of weeds.
- Safety around children and pets: Vinegar is deemed safe for both.
- Impact on insects and wildlife: It can be lethal to certain insects like ants, spiders, mosquitos, and potentially harmful to bees.
- Effects on surfaces: Vinegar's acidic nature may damage wood and marble surfaces.
Overall, this article provides a comprehensive guide on utilizing vinegar as an eco-friendly alternative for weed control in the garden while emphasizing safety measures and potential impacts on various surfaces and organisms within the ecosystem.
