5 Natural Weed Killers For Your Garden
Posted on: 28 February 2024
Garden enthusiasts often face a common challenge – getting rid of weeds. While commercial weed killers are widely available, they can pose risks to children and pets if ingested. Fortunately, there are numerous natural and eco-friendly alternatives for tackling weeds effectively. This article will explore a few natural weed killers to help you sustainably manage those pesky weeds.
Weeding By Hand
Ok, so not the most friendly method for your back or knees as a rule, but it is the most effective and most natural of weed killers! Grabbing a trowel or claw and something to kneel on and getting your hands among the plants and soil can be fulfilling! Ensure to pull them up by the roots and wear gloves to protect your hands.
Boiling Water
Begin by heating a sizeable pot or kettle of water on a stove hob or outdoor burner, ensuring sufficient water based on the extent of the weeded area.
Gently pour the boiling water over the weeds on your lawn, in the crevices of your driveway, or along your garden paths, taking care not to harm any nearby plants. Repeat the process as needed. If weeds are growing in large clusters, it might be helpful to trim them down slightly, allowing easier access to their roots. Applying more hot water to the roots increases the likelihood of achieving lasting results.
Although some weed species may take several attempts, this method will eventually eliminate them, leaving your garden weed-free once more. Another advantage of this approach is that it does not harm the soil, making it suitable for areas you plan to replant.
Salt
Creating a homemade salt-based weed killer is simple. All you need to do is dissolve either rock salt or table salt in water. Begin with a mild solution, using a 3:1 ratio of water to salt. Gradually increase the salt content each day until you notice the pesky weed starting to perish.
To enhance the weed-killing prowess of your solution, consider adding a dash of washing-up liquid and a splash of vinegar. This nifty combination helps the weeds absorb the salt solution more effectively by reducing the surface tension of the water.
However, it’s crucial to exercise caution when using this potent mixture to avoid harming the surrounding plants. To prevent accidental splashes, carefully use a funnel to guide the saltwater solution onto the weed. Once you’ve treated the weed, generously water any nearby plants. This will reduce potential damage and allow the salt to drain below the root zone, keeping your cherished plants safe and sound.
Mulch
Mulching is a brilliant strategy for tackling those persistent perennial weeds. By blocking sunlight, you’ll keep the weeds hidden beneath the surface, where most will eventually meet their demise. Mulching works wonders around long-lasting plants like fruit trees and bushes, but they’re equally effective for annual crops.
While this approach won’t eradicate weeds overnight, it will save you from laborious weeding marathons in the long run. Start your mulching journey by laying down a weed barrier. Newspapers or cardboard make excellent alternatives to landscape fabric, as they’re absorbent, entirely biodegradable, and even boost soil fertility.
Generously layer five or six sheets of newspaper, overlapping them to create a foolproof blockade against weeds, and then give it a good soaking. Finally, cover the dampened newspaper or cardboard with a cosy blanket of loose, well-rotted organic mulch – about two to three inches (5-8 cm) thick.
Vinegar
A vinegar solution is a popular and easy-to-make homemade weed killer. To whip up your batch, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Distilled white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or cleaning vinegar. For the best results, opt for a vinegar with an acetic acid concentration above 11%. This will help burn and eliminate unwanted weeds.
- Dishwashing liquid acts as a surfactant, ensuring the vinegar clings to the weed’s surface for longer.
Pour the ingredients into a spray bottle and shake it to mix everything together. Before applying your concoction, check the weather forecast for a few consecutive days of sunshine. Rain may wash the vinegar off the weeds too quickly, and the real magic happens when the sun beats down on the treated leaves.
Summary
Garden enthusiasts need not rely on commercial weed killers to maintain a pristine and thriving garden. As explored in this article, several natural weed killers can help you manage those pesky weeds without posing risks to children, pets, or the environment. From weeding by hand and pouring boiling water to using salt, mulch, or vinegar solutions, these sustainable methods ensure that you’re taking care of your garden and contributing to a healthier planet.
So why not give these natural weed control techniques a try? Your back and knees might grumble at the prospect of manual weeding, but your garden, family, and the environment will thank you for it.
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