Natural Weed Killers
Fortunately, there are many natural options to choose from when trying to eradicate weeds that are not only highly effective, but they are much more affordable than their toxic counterparts. Here are fifteen of them that you can try out.
#1 VINEGAR AND LEMON JUICE
#3 BAKING SODA.
#4 SALT WATER
#5 VINEGAR AND SALT
#6 VINEGAR AND DISH SOAP
#7 SALT
#8 BOILING WATER
Can’t get a more affordable, easy, or natural weed killer than good old plain water.
#9 PLASTIC BAGS
#10 NEWSPAPERS
Newspapers can be used in the same manner as the plastic bags we discussed above. Just place the newspaper over the weeded area and weigh them down with rocks, bricks or logs. This too denies them of light and air. What’s even better about this option is that newspaper is biodegradable.
#11 VODKA
Spray it on the weeds and the alcohol will dry it out.
#12 BORAX
Spray on weeds.
#13. FOR POISON IVY
(Will need to re-apply several times every week or so until it completely dies.)
The only thing you must watch out for is that most of the natural weed killer recipes presented aboe will kill everything in the area including your grass, so you want to be sure to apply them only to the weed.
#14 MANUAL LABOR
Get out there and pull the weeds with your hands, a rake, a hula ho, shovel, etc.
#15. ACCEPTANCE
Last but not least, another alternative to killing your weeds is to accept them. Like every other living thing on the planet they have a purpose and fulfill some biological role. Nature does not consider them to be weeds. In many cases, you can simply allow them to exist and live in harmony with them. Take a close look at them and appreciate what unique qualities and characteristics they contain and admire their ability to thrive. For example, the common dandelion is an exceptionally beautiful flower and adds character to your yard.
“When Did the Dandelion Become Our Enemy,?”
Be sure you don’t put your weeds in your compost pile or they will make their way back into your yard!
#1 VINEGAR AND LEMON JUICE
- Mix vinegar with concentrated lemon juice.
- Use a (1 to 1 ratio.)
- Put it in a spray bottle and apply to weeds.
- Bottle of white or cider vinegar.
- Pour it directly on the weeds or the ground around them.
- Alternatively, you can put it in a spray bottle and spray the weeds.
- Use higher acetic concentrations if possible.
#3 BAKING SODA.
- Mix baking soda with water.
- Pour it over weeds.
#4 SALT WATER
- Boil salt water and pour it over the weeds while still hot.
#5 VINEGAR AND SALT
- 1 quart of boiling water
- 5 TBSPS vinegar
- 2 TBSPS salt
- Pour on weeds while still hot.
- Can double or triple recipe.
#6 VINEGAR AND DISH SOAP
- 1 cup vinegar
- 1/2 cup dish soap
- Mix together and apply to weeds.
#7 SALT
- 1/4 tsp of salt
- Sprinkle it around the base of the weeds.
#8 BOILING WATER
Can’t get a more affordable, easy, or natural weed killer than good old plain water.
- Just boil the water and pour it on the weeds. But, do be careful not to get it on your plants or grass.
#9 PLASTIC BAGS
- Place the plastic bags over the weeds and then anchor them down with big rocks, bricks, or logs.
- Remove them in about two weeks and the earth beneath them will be bare, because they have been deprived of air and light.
#10 NEWSPAPERS
Newspapers can be used in the same manner as the plastic bags we discussed above. Just place the newspaper over the weeded area and weigh them down with rocks, bricks or logs. This too denies them of light and air. What’s even better about this option is that newspaper is biodegradable.
#11 VODKA
- 3 TBSP of Vodka
- 2 cups of Water
Spray it on the weeds and the alcohol will dry it out.
#12 BORAX
- 5 tsps of borax
- 1 quart of water
Spray on weeds.
#13. FOR POISON IVY
- 1 quart of vinegar
- 1/4 tsp of clove and/or cinnamon oil
(Will need to re-apply several times every week or so until it completely dies.)
The only thing you must watch out for is that most of the natural weed killer recipes presented aboe will kill everything in the area including your grass, so you want to be sure to apply them only to the weed.
#14 MANUAL LABOR
Get out there and pull the weeds with your hands, a rake, a hula ho, shovel, etc.
#15. ACCEPTANCE
Last but not least, another alternative to killing your weeds is to accept them. Like every other living thing on the planet they have a purpose and fulfill some biological role. Nature does not consider them to be weeds. In many cases, you can simply allow them to exist and live in harmony with them. Take a close look at them and appreciate what unique qualities and characteristics they contain and admire their ability to thrive. For example, the common dandelion is an exceptionally beautiful flower and adds character to your yard.
“When Did the Dandelion Become Our Enemy,?”
Be sure you don’t put your weeds in your compost pile or they will make their way back into your yard!
Homemade Insecticidal Soap
Homemade Insecticidal Soap - Bugs normally aren't a big problem in your garden as natural predators will keep the bad guys in check. Sometimes though, Mother Nature needs a hand if bug populations get out of balance. That is where you can help. A soap based insecticide is very safe for the environment and your family. It works by drowning the offending pest. Here is an easy recipe to make your own.
- Materials Needed: A tightly lidded jar that holds 2 cups of liquid (for example a mason or mayonnaise jar) and a spray bottle.
- Ingredients: 1 cup of vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon of Ivory liquid soap, or another pure liquid soap. Note: Adding a teaspoon of garlic or pepper to this recipe can make it more effective as a pest deterrent if desired.
- Making the Insecticidal Soap: Add the oil and the liquid soap to the jar, and shake the jar vigorously to mix the soap and oil well. Add 2 teaspoons of the mixture to every cup of water in the spray bottle when ready to use.
- How to use Insecticidal Soap: Shake the spray bottle often while applying to keep the water and oil mixture blended. Spray the plant all over; both the top and bottom of the leaves. Try to avoid spraying in the direct sun to avoid scorching the leaves. Insecticidal soap works by drowning the offending pest, so the trick is to get the spray on the bug. The residual acts to deter future bugs.
