Home Remedy for Killing Weeds

Overview

As concern continues to grow about the environmental effects of commercial weed killers, people are turning to natural methods. Weed killing can be accomplished by pouring boiling water or salt over unwanted plants. Salt and acids kill weeds by drawing moisture from the plants; acids also lower the pH in soil. Formulas using acids require repeated application because homemade weed killers do not penetrate plants deeply enough to kill the roots. Protection of surrounding plants is necessary, as acids and salt wash off during rainy weather, and salt in particular can leach into surrounding areas and destroy landscaping.

Vinegar Formula #1

Step 1

Put on rubber gloves and eye protection.

Step 2

Combine 1 qt. white or cider vinegar, ¼ cup salt and 2 tsp. liquid dish detergent in a bucket. Read the dish-detergent label carefully to ensure that the product does not contain bleach. Dish detergent is sticky and helps the weed-killing solution adhere to plants.

Step 3

Stir gently with spoon to keep the dish detergent from foaming.

Step 4

Pour into a spray bottle using the funnel, then spray on weeds.

Vinegar Formula #2

Step 1

Put on eye protection and rubber gloves.

Step 2

Mix ½ cup lemon-juice concentrate with 1 qt. white or cider vinegar in a large measuring cup or bucket.

Step 3

Transfer to a spray bottle using the funnel, then spray on weeds.

Lemon Formula #1

Step 1

Squeeze two to three lemons to yield ½ cup juice. Discard the seeds and rinds and transfer the juice to a bucket or large measuring cup.

Step 2

Add 1 qt. white or cider vinegar to the lemon juice and stir well.

Step 3

Transfer to the spray bottle and apply to weeds.

Lemon Formula #2

Step 1

Juice two or three lemons, then remove the seeds. Pour ½ cup lemon juice into a bucket or measuring cup.

Step 2

Add ¼ cup table or kosher salt, 1 tbsp. ground red pepper and 1 cup warm water. Stir to dissolve the salt.

Step 3

Pour into a spray bottle and spray on weeds.

Borax Solution

Step 1

Put on goggles and rubber gloves.

Step 2

Heat ½ cup water until warm and put in a bucket.

Step 3

Dissolve 10 oz. borax in the warm water.

Step 4

Add 2½ gallons water and mix well. If the salt is well-dissolved, the temperature of this water does not matter.

Step 5

Apply to weeds; wear eye and skin protection. This mixture will treat a 1,000-square-foot area.