Natural Weed And Grass Killer: Diy Guide

Keeping your lawn or garden in pristine condition can be challenging, especially when weeds start to grow. While you can pull them out by hand, this can be time-consuming and back-breaking work. Fortunately, there are several homemade weed killer recipes that can help you tackle this problem without resorting to expensive and potentially toxic chemical herbicides. In this article, we will explore various methods for creating your own grass and weed killer using household ingredients, as well as provide tips for effective and safe application.

Using vinegar, salt, and dish soap

A solution of vinegar, salt, and dish soap can be a cheap and effective tool against some weeds. Here is a natural weed killer recipe that you can make and use:

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon of white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap
• 1 cup of table salt (optional)

Instructions:

• Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle.
• Treat the weeds at the sunniest time of day for the best results.

The acetic acid in the vinegar and the salt are both very good at drawing moisture from weeds. The dish soap acts as a surfactant, reducing the surface tension that can cause the weed-killing concoction to bead on the leaves instead of being absorbed by the plant.

On a warm, sunny day, the results of this homemade spray will be obvious in a matter of hours as weeds turn brown and wither. Depending on the weeds and the season, the results can be speedy and effective. However, this formula is not designed to work its way into the root system, so multiple treatments will probably be necessary to keep weeds at bay.

Precautions:

• This weed killer will not be able to differentiate between weeds and other plants, so be careful to only spray the targeted weeds and avoid dousing the soil or nearby plants.
• Do not spray on concrete surfaces as the salt can discolour or erode concrete, resulting in flaking.
• Avoid spraying in windy conditions to prevent the solution from drifting onto other plants.

Boiling water

Using boiling water is an organic way to control weeds. It is a good option when weeds are growing in isolation, such as in cracks in patios or sidewalks, as it will kill any nearby plants. It is also a good method for spot-treating weeds in driveways and patios, but it is not suitable for large areas.

To use boiling water as a weed killer, simply pour it over the weeds. Take care not to splash or burn yourself, and be careful not to pour it on any plants you want to keep. You can use a tea kettle to safely and precisely apply the boiling water directly to the weed. Use plenty of water and plan to retreat 7-10 days later, as one application rarely kills the entire plant, especially deep-rooted weeds.

Cornmeal gluten

Corn gluten meal is most effective with at least 60% protein content. It is important to note that cornmeal gluten is only effective against seeds, not mature plants, and is therefore best applied before weeds start to grow, ideally in early spring. It can be used on lawns, as well as in gardens, and will not damage existing plants, shrubs, or trees.

Corn gluten meal is available in both pellet and powdered forms. To apply, spread the corn gluten meal evenly on the ground, ensuring you use the correct amount for the square footage of the area. Then, lightly water the lawn to activate the oils in the corn gluten meal. Reapplication is necessary every four weeks or after heavy rain.

While corn gluten meal is an effective natural herbicide, it is important to note that it is not a long-term solution. It is most effective when used consistently and in conjunction with other weed control methods.

Rubbing alcohol

Using Rubbing Alcohol as a Weed Killer

Step 1: Prepare the Solution

Mix two tablespoons of rubbing alcohol (a solution of 70% isopropyl alcohol and 30% water) with four cups of water. The alcohol will act as an astringent, drawing moisture out of the weeds and causing them to wither and die. It is important to dilute the alcohol with water, as undiluted alcohol may be too strong and damage desirable plants.

Step 2: Apply the Solution

Pour the diluted alcohol solution into a spray bottle and liberally coat the leaves of the weeds. It is best to apply the solution on a sunny day, as it may wash away if it rains. Be very careful not to get the solution on any cultivated species, as it will kill them. Similarly, avoid getting the solution on the soil, as it may render it infertile.

Step 3: Monitor and Repeat

The alcohol solution is a contact herbicide, meaning it only affects the parts of the plant that it comes into contact with. Weeds with robust root systems may regrow, so monitor the treated area and reapply the solution as needed.

Safety and Precautions

While rubbing alcohol is a natural and inexpensive way to control weeds, it should be used with caution. Always avoid getting the solution on desirable plants, as it will kill them. Additionally, be careful not to get the solution on your skin or inhale the vapours, as it can be irritating. Keep out of reach of children and pets, and always read the label before use.

Other Natural Weed Killers

In addition to rubbing alcohol, there are several other natural and inexpensive ways to kill weeds, including:

• Boiling water
• Vinegar
• Lemon juice
• Corn gluten meal
• Mulch
• Newspaper or cardboard
• Baking soda
• Salt

Lemon juice

To make your own lemon juice weed killer, you will need the juice of five lemons. If that sounds like too much effort, you can buy bottled lemon juice. Simply pour the juice into a spray bottle and aim it at your weeds. Make sure you spray it on a dry day, otherwise, the rain can wash it away.

For an extra-strong formula, you can mix the lemon juice with vinegar. The kind of vinegar sold at garden stores or nurseries is stronger than supermarket options. You can also add dish soap to the solution, which will help the formula adhere to the weeds.

Frequently asked questions