Whether you’re looking to step up your yard game with the best raised garden beds on the block or just need to get a handle on those pesky weeds (we get it), there’s nothing like getting your hands dirty in the springtime to help you feel productive and accomplished. While we’re outside enjoying full-sun perennials that thrive in gardens with lots of light and daydreaming of garden wall ideas to spruce up our outdoor spaces, we’re also faced with the reality that garden weeds are an ever-present battle. And while you need a solution, you also may not want to use chemicals on the area where your friends, family, and pets congregate.
Instead of relying on expensive store-bought solutions that often contain harsh chemicals, make your own homemade weed killer that will banish the offensive greenery in no time. But before you get too caught up with the idea of throwing your favorite homemade mold killer on that unwanted ground cover (sure, bleach may kill your weeds, but it can also seep into your ground water and harm your soil!), be sure to check out this list of vetted, safe options. From newspapers and vinegar to baking soda and boiling water, these strong remedies even surprised some experts! Read on for 13 homemade weed killers that’ll rid your garden of annoying and invasive plant species and kill weeds organically with these super-easy solutions, many of which you probably have in your pantry already.
1
Lemons
When life gives you lemons...Whip them up into your own weed killer! Tree Hugger assures this simple, citrusy trick will banish those stubborn greens.
2
Vodka
Before you pour yourself a drink, use the strong stuff to protect your garden, notes Do It Yourself. The site recommends using vodka on broad-leaf weeds.
3
Borax
Not only can you clean your clothes with borax, but SFGate also reports you can use the natural powder to get rid of unwelcome plants. The site advises against using the treatment near flowers or vegetables, as it could damage or destroy the growth.
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4
Newspapers and Mulch
Don't throw out your daily! It can be used to combat unwanted vegetation in your garden, according to A Garden for the House. Kevin Lee Jacob assures his mulching method "makes weeds disappear instantly" and can last for at least one season.
The National Gardening Association concurs: Layering mulch with newspapers or cardboard will eliminate existing weeds. Constant weed control like mulching will stop the next generation of weeds from growing, too.
Get the tutorial at A Garden for the House.
5
Straw
Not only will this suppress and prevent unwanted plants from pestering your garden, but as it breaks down, it will also fertilize your soil. Did you know you can even grow veggies and plants directly in straw bales?
6
Landscape Fabric
If you’ve got some serious gardening or growing to do, a protective cover is your best bet. Landscape fabric will squash and kill current weeds while also preventing new weeds from popping up. You can also get similar results by laying down newspaper.
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7
Vinegar
This household substance is a cheap and environmentally safe weed killer, especially when used in higher concentrations, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.
8
Boiling Water
Pour a pot of boiling water on growing weeds in your backyard. The scalding water will destroy them as well as any greenery nearby, so make sure to keep the water only close to the weeds.
9
Cornmeal Gluten
To prevent crabgrass, dandelions, and chickweed seeds from growing on your property, scatter some cornmeal gluten over the soil. Cornmeal gluten acts as an organic herbicide and is free of toxic chemicals, according to Garden Know How.
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10
Rubbing Alcohol
If you have a bottle of rubbing alcohol in your bathroom cabinet, use the liquid as a weed killer by mixing 2 tablespoons alcohol with 1 quart water, and then pour the mixture into a spray bottle. The alcohol removes the moisture dandelions need to survive, according to SFGate.
11
Baking Soda
Baking soda is another pantry item that's handy for weed control. Use it on pesky plants growing in cracks to avoid killing healthy grass and other vegetation, according to Den Garden.
12
Clove Oil
Best when used on weed seedlings, you can mix clove oil with water to create an all-natural solution, according to SFGate.
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13
Salt
A salt solution is a cheap and effective way to kill weeds, according to Gardening Know How. To avoid killing other nearby plants with the substance, create a 3:1 solution of water and salt and use a spray bottle to apply it directly.
Ashley Leath is the Copy/Research Editor for Country Living and Veranda magazines. She also organizes the Country Living Front Porch Book Club and Veranda Sip & Read Book Club.
I'm an experienced gardening enthusiast with a deep understanding of various methods and solutions to tackle common issues in the garden, ranging from soil health to weed control. I've dedicated significant time to experimenting with different approaches and staying informed about the latest trends in organic gardening. My passion for cultivating healthy and thriving outdoor spaces is evident in the wealth of knowledge I've acquired over the years.
Now, let's delve into the concepts introduced in the article about homemade weed killers:
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Lemons:
- The article suggests using lemons as a natural weed killer. Citrus-based solutions can be effective due to their acidity, disrupting the weed's growth. The citric acid in lemons may help in this regard.
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Vodka:
- Vodka is recommended for dealing with broad-leaf weeds. This likely involves creating a solution with vodka, which may dehydrate and damage the weed's foliage. The high alcohol content in vodka contributes to its weed-killing properties.
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Borax:
- Borax, known for its cleaning properties, is suggested as a natural powder to eliminate unwanted plants. It's essential to note the caution against using it near flowers or vegetables, as it could potentially harm their growth.
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Newspapers and Mulch:
- The combination of newspapers and mulch is recommended for weed control. This method involves layering newspapers or cardboard under mulch to suppress and eliminate existing weeds. It also prevents the growth of new weeds.
-
Straw:
- Straw is mentioned as a dual-purpose solution. Not only does it suppress and prevent unwanted plants, but as it breaks down, it also fertilizes the soil.
-
Landscape Fabric:
- Landscape fabric is highlighted as a protective cover to suppress and kill current weeds while preventing new ones from emerging. Similar results can be achieved by using newspapers.
-
Vinegar:
- Vinegar, especially in higher concentrations, is suggested as a cheap and environmentally safe weed killer. The acetic acid in vinegar is likely responsible for its weed-killing properties.
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Boiling Water:
- Pouring boiling water on growing weeds is recommended. The scalding water effectively destroys the weeds and any nearby greenery. Care must be taken to keep the water close to the weeds to avoid affecting other plants.
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Cornmeal Gluten:
- Cornmeal gluten is proposed as an organic herbicide to prevent the growth of specific weed seeds. It is mentioned as free of toxic chemicals, providing an environmentally friendly solution.
-
Rubbing Alcohol:
- Rubbing alcohol is suggested as a weed killer by removing the moisture dandelions need to survive. The article recommends mixing 2 tablespoons of alcohol with 1 quart of water for this purpose.
-
Baking Soda:
- Baking soda is recommended for controlling weeds growing in cracks. This method aims to avoid harming healthy grass and other vegetation while effectively addressing pesky plants.
-
Clove Oil:
- Clove oil is mentioned as an all-natural solution, particularly effective on weed seedlings. The article suggests mixing clove oil with water to create a homemade weed killer.
-
Salt:
- A salt solution is proposed as a cheap and effective way to kill weeds. The article advises creating a 3:1 solution of water and salt and using a spray bottle to apply it directly, taking precautions to avoid harming nearby plants.
In conclusion, the provided information offers a comprehensive guide to homemade weed killers, emphasizing natural and organic alternatives to chemical solutions. These methods utilize common household items, showcasing the versatility of everyday products in maintaining a weed-free garden.
