Chemical herbicides are dangerous for the environment and pose risks to bees (and other insects beneficial to the ecosystem), nature and even to animals and children who play near the treated areas. As an alternative to these products, you can make a natural herbicide using household ingredients. Try various combinations to find the herbicide that best suits your needs.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Create a Vinegar Based Weed Killer Spray
Step 1. Start with 400ml of distilled white vinegar
Vinegar contains acetic acid, a substance that can effectively kill weeds. Keep in mind that it is not selective, so it eliminates all the plants it comes into contact with, not just the weeds. You can use it alone or in combination with other ingredients to get a stronger solution.
- Since it is a herbicide, avoid spreading it on or near your garden lawn.
- Vinegar increases the acidity of the soil. So, before growing plants, check the pH of the soil and, if necessary, adjust it accordingly.
- Use horticultural vinegar with a concentration of 20% acetic acid so that it is most effective when you apply it on the pavement or terrace. Strong acidity compromises the pH of the soil and plants.
Step 2. Add 2-3 tablespoons (30-45 ml) of concentrated lemon juice if you prefer
Lemon juice contains high levels of citric acid and is effective when combined with white vinegar. If you want to try it, mix it with 400ml of distilled white vinegar.
Step 3. Add 1-2 teaspoons (7-14ml) of dish soap to kill certain plants
Dish soap is a very useful ingredient to add to vinegar when you need to keep weeds that have a waxy coating or "hairy" surface at bay, such as dandelion and digitaria. The external conformation of these plants prevents vinegar from being absorbed, but the dish detergent penetrates the protective surface layer allowing the solution to adhere to the leaves.
- You can use dishwashing liquid or dishwashing detergent, in both liquid and powder form.
- You can also use it by combining it with a mixture of lemon and vinegar, but it will also be very effective when combined with vinegar alone.
Step 4. Pour 30ml of denatured alcohol into the white vinegar
Isopropyl alcohol triggers a strong action both absolute and mixed with white vinegar. You can also use an inexpensive gin to achieve the same effect. Just add the alcohol to the white vinegar and mix thoroughly.
You can combine alcohol, vinegar, and lemon juice, but be aware that such a strong solution risks damaging the soil
Step 5. Dilute the vinegar mixture
If weeds are a major problem you can use it pure (even if it is usually too strong). Diluted with water in equal parts, it will still be very effective and will not contaminate the area on which you are going to distribute it.
Pure solutions can penetrate the soil, killing the roots of cultivated plants. They can also alter the balance of microorganisms present in the soil
Step 6. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and apply it to the weeds
Use a funnel to transfer it into the spray bottle, then screw the nozzle back on. Spray it on the weeds and check the results over the course of 24 hours. You can apply another dose if necessary, but you probably won't need it.
- If weeds grow near plants you don't want to kill, select the "flow" function instead of the "spray" function of the dispenser.
- Don't forget that the herbicide is not selective. It kills all plants it comes in contact with, so use it carefully!
Method 2 of 2: Remove Weeds with Other Household Products
Step 1. Use rock salt or table salt
Try this method only if you want to kill weeds in an area where you don't plan to grow any plants for several years, such as around the cobblestones or between cracks in outdoor pavement. The salt kills the weed by dehydrating it and is absorbed by the soil, preventing the growth of any plant organism. You can apply salt in two ways:
- Dissolve 150 g of salt in warm or hot water and fill the spray bottle.
- Apply dry salt. Just sprinkle it as it is on the weeds to kill. It is a practical and effective method on garden paths and along the edges of the lawn.
Step 2. Use boiling water
If there are no other plants nearby, pour a large pot of boiling water over the weeds. Since it will literally burn them, be careful not to spill it on what you are growing. It is very effective, especially on young weeds, and the results are immediate.
- To get rid of all the weeds, you will likely need to repeat the treatment several times over a few days.
- Add 15 g of table salt to boiling water to make an even stronger solution.
Step 3. Spray a mixture of water and borax
Thoroughly mix 280 g of borax and 9.5 liters of water. Use a pressure spray pump to apply the solution to the weeds. Be careful not to soak the soil as it could damage the plants you are growing.
- Wear gloves and goggles to handle the mixture as it may irritate the skin.
- Don't use it to keep weed growth at bay or garden or you will ruin your flowers and vegetables.
Advice
- After clearing the weeds, use mulch, rocks, stones, or other barriers to prevent them from growing back.
- Treat weeds before they bloom in early summer when they are still young and tender.
- Making your own herbicide at home is a great way to avoid using industrially produced herbicides that contain potentially harmful ingredients, such as glyphosate.
