Organic Weed Killers You Can Make

Got weeds?

Before you reach for the RoundUp (and killing bees and polluting soil and water in the process) - try these cheap, organic ways to get rid of them:

wrotter by Sneeboer

Dig Out the roots

Yes, this method takes a bit of time and you must let them dry out in the sun... but it works!

But if you’re looking for a quicker way to rid yourself of weeds, try one of these homemade herbicides:

CAUTION!  A herbicide is a "substance that is toxic to plants," but they can also have a negative impact on the soil if applied in large quantities and they may cause human injuries if misused. So be mindful...

Drench with boiling water:

Boil water and then pour over the leaves and stems of the weeds you want to remove. This is great for sidewalk or driveway cracks or over a larger area that you’d like to replant after the weeds are gone. There is no residue or harmful long-term effects. Do not pour over the flowers or vegetable plants you wish to keep!

Fight 'em with fire:

 A flame-weeder tool allows you to apply flame and heat directly to the weeds without catching the whole neighborhood on fire. DO NOT DO THIS in fire-prone areas!  

Red Dragon VT 1-32 C 25000 BTU Mini Weed Dragon Propane Vapor Torch Kit

Use salt and a little soap...:

Common salt is an ancient way to kill plants. Because salt can have a detrimental effect in the soil, it’s important to only apply it directly to the leaves of the weeds, and to not soak the soil. 

Dissolve 1 part salt in 8 parts hot water, add a small amount of liquid dish soap (to help it adhere to  leaf surfaces), and pour into a spray bottle. Spray the leaves of the weeds with the solution. Be careful to not soak the soil and keep away from cement sidewalks or driveways (it may discolor them). Multiple applications may be necessary.

Add vinegar: 

Apply white vinegar to weed leaves ( white vinegar from grocery stores is usually strong enough for most weeds). The vinegar can be applied by spraying full strength onto the leaves of the weeds. Repeated applications may be necessary. Add a  little liquid dish detergent if you want. (You can buy stronger vinegar from garden supply outlets ) .

Salt and Vinegar:

Do both!  Combine table salt with white vinegar (1 cup salt to 1 gallon vinegar) and spray this mixture on the leaves of weed plants. Add liquid soap.

Good Luck, Weed Warriors!