Chemical free weed killer
I am not a fan of using chemical-based weed killers in the garden; I have never found them particularly safe for children and pets. When spring hits, weeds start popping up everywhere—especially between patio slabs—but these simple homemade recipes are just as quick and effective!
Natural Weed Solutions
- Boiling Water: This is an instant, toxic-free herbicide. Simply pour boiling water from your kettle to cover the weed and penetrate the ground to the plant’s root. It will wilt away straight away, and once dried, you can pull away the remainder.
- Vinegar and Lemon Juice: Mix 20ml of white vinegar and 20ml of cooking lemon juice into a spray bottle. Give it a good shake and spray all over the weed. The acidic combination kills with a burning effect—just be careful to avoid the plants you want to keep!
- The Stronger Alternative: For aggressive thistle-type weeds, mix 1 tablespoon of washing-up liquid, 2 tablespoons of white vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol. Shake well and spray directly onto the weed.
Longevity
These mixtures will last for three months. After that, you will need to remake them to ensure the ingredients haven't lost their potency. I find using labels helps me keep track of when I mixed them.
Safety First
Don’t forget to label your bottles clearly! I like to purchase spray bottles and white vinegar in gallon bottles from Amazon to keep everything organised and ready to go.
PRO TIP: Always use these mixtures on a dry day so they aren't immediately washed away by rain. This gives the acidic ingredients time to really work their magic on the weeds!
