With spring just around the corner, it’s time to start getting the yard and garden in order! I’m itching to plant all the beautiful flowers and delicious veggies.
Unfortunately, this time of year is also when all those pesky weeds start popping up. And I know that old-school weed pulling is the most effective way to get rid of plants safely without chemicals… but who has time for that?
If you’re looking for something a little less labor-intensive — but still natural and safe — these homemade week killer solutions might be exactly what you need. You’ve likely got all of the necessary ingredients already.
Lemon Juice and Vinegar
When life gives you lemons, make homemade weed killer!
Lemon juice contains a high amount of citric acid, which has a burning effect on plants. It’s as simple as putting lemon juice in a spray bottle, and saturating any weeds you want to get rid of. For extra effectiveness, douse the weeds on a hot, dry day.
Similarly, vinegar is mostly acetic acid, so it’ll burn up those weeds, too. Again, it’s best to use vinegar on sunny, dry days. You’ll need to reapply if it rains.
Newspapers
This is a trick that my mom has done for years, but it’s not just limited to home gardeners. Even professional landscapers have been known to use this simple hack.
Newspaper blocks beginning weeds from growing and seeds from spreading, as it blocks out sun and air from the area beneath it. Top yesterday’s paper with mulch and weeds won’t make their way through. The newspaper eventually breaks down, too, so there won’t be any cleanup later.
Boiling Water
If you want to talk about an inexpensive solution, it can’t get much cheaper than boiled water!
It’s as easy as it sounds, too — you’re quite literally just pouring boiling water on the weeds you want to kill. Personally, I like to use a tea kettle because it’s easy-peasy to pour, but any pot will do. It won’t kill weeds down to the roots, but it will kill them above ground instantly. It’s pretty satisfying if I must say so myself.
Just make sure you’re close to the weeds and pour slowly. This will help avoid splashes, which could leave you with burns.
This likely isn’t the best solution for weeds in the middle of your lawn, as it’ll kill plants indiscriminately. But, it’s a great solution for weeds growing between cracks in sidewalks and driveways. Plus, there are absolutely no chemicals, and it won’t change the soil. This is an excellent solution for readying a garden bed.
Homemade Weed Killer Solution
If these other DIY weed solutions aren’t getting the job done, it’s time to bring in the heavy stuff! But hey, don’t worry — it’s still all regular household items you’ve likely got sitting around.
Mix together a gallon of white vinegar, a cup of salt or Borax, and a tablespoon of dish soap. Put this stuff in a spray bottle, and weeds won’t stand a chance! You can use this any time, but it works best on a sunny day when the sun will help speed up the process.
Just make sure you’re careful with it, because this mixture will definitely kill any plant. It doesn’t know (or care!) the difference between “bad” and “good” plants in your garden. It’s also worth noting that salt will affect the soil and make it difficult to grow things there in the future. If you’re planning on replanting in that spot, omit the salt!
