šæ Homemade Herbicide: A Simple Weed-Control Option
For small areas such as cracks in paving or unwanted weeds along paths, a vinegar-based treatment can work as a contact herbicide. It mainly damages the foliage it touches, so it may not reliably kill established perennial weeds down to the roots.
Simple mixture
1 liter (about 4Ā¼ cups) of white vinegar
1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap
Mix gently and put it in a clearly labeled spray bottle.
How to use it
Choose a dry, calm day with several hours of rain-free weather.
Spray the solution directly onto the weed leaves, avoiding nearby plants.
Don’t spray in strong windāthe mixture can damage desirable plants it contacts.
Reapply if necessary after the plants have had time to respond.
ā ļø Important
Do not mix vinegar with bleach, ammonia, or other household cleaners. Dangerous fumes or reactions can occur.
Stronger horticultural vinegar products can cause skin and eye burns; use the label-required protective equipment.
Vinegar can damage lawns, flowers, vegetables, and other plants, and repeated use can affect soil.
Keep children and pets away from treated areas until they are dry and according to the product label.
For vegetable gardens or flower beds, hand-pulling, mulching, or covering the soil is usually safer because you can control weeds without risking damage to plants you want to keep.
