Natural Homemade Weed Killers That Actually Work

1. Vinegar Solution

Materials Needed:

• 1 gallon of horticultural vinegar (household vinegar works too—just double the amount)
• 4 tablespoons of a fish-safe surfactant, dish soap, or Castile soap

How It Works:

• A homemade vinegar solution is a popular short-term natural weed controller.
• Horticultural vinegar (10-20% acetic acid) rapidly breaks down foliage tissue on contact.
• The soapy surfactant helps the vinegar stay in contact with the leaves longer.
• Vinegar is most effective on small weeds under two weeks old and with no more than two leaves.
• It works well on certain broadleaf weeds, including carpetweed, common chickweed, ground ivy, Canada thistle, and recently germinated crabgrass.

Application:

1. Identify problem weeds.
2. Apply the vinegar solution on a sunny day when there’s no rain forecast.
3. Repeat after five or six weeks if weeds persist.

Safety Considerations:

• Vinegar is non-selective, so ensure thorough coverage of the weeds.
• Be cautious of spray drift, as it can harm non-weedy plants.

2. Rubbing Alcohol Solution

Materials Needed:

• 1 quart of water
• 2 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl alcohol)

How It Works:

• Rubbing alcohol removes moisture from plant foliage, causing it to die back.
• Use this solution with caution, as it’s indiscriminate and can harm cultivated species.

Application:

1. Mix the rubbing alcohol with water.
2. Spray the solution directly on weeds on a sunny day to prevent wash-off.
3. Be mindful of potential soil infertility when absorbed.

3. Boiling Water

• Boiling water kills weed roots almost immediately.
• Simply pour boiling water over the weeds to eliminate them.

Remember, these natural weed killers are effective, but they won’t prevent new weeds from growing. Regular maintenance and prevention strategies are essential for a weed-free yard. 🌱📸

Sources:

1. The Spruce
2. Real Simple
3. Martha Stewart