Have you ever had one of those years when your weeds were your prize-winning growers? It seems like when the weather isn’t cooperating and your beautiful plants aren’t growing or flowering, the one thing you can count on to flourish is weeds. And, there’s nothing worse than when those suckers have the audacity to bloom…UGH! There are some gardeners who say weeds are plants and deserve a chance. I say, oh hell no!
There was a post floating on Facebook at one time about using vinegar as weed killer. It’s super inexpensive, and won’t be harmful for my dog…who loves to walk right through my gardens like she owns the joint. And, as much as I grouse about the critters that venture into our yard I don’t want to use something that will harm them either. Always the skeptic, I thought I’d give it a try. Worst case, I’d waste a couple bucks with no results. Best case, I’d spend a couple bucks and save myself hours of back-breaking weeding.
A Little Chemistry Lesson
Anything with a pH level under 7 is considered acidic. Traditional white vinegar, readily available in grocery stores, is usually around 4% acidity. It’s often used as a natural cleaner as well. Cider vinegar and wine vinegars are usually 5-6% acidity. The lower the acid level, the more corrosive effect which would explain why it should work as a weed killer.
So, off to the grocery I went to get a big jug of white vinegar and try this baby out. The Facebook instructions said to do a 1:1 ratio of water and vinegar. But being the overachiever that I am, I poured the vinegar directly on the weeds, undiluted. EUREKA! It works!
I’m so pleased to have a non-toxic way to fight weed growth…actually I’m beyond pleased…I’m ecstatic! And…it’s so CHEAP! If you try this, just be sure to not get it on the plants you want to keep, and be sure you don’t splash into your eyes or on other plants! I found a plant that I must have splashed that I now need to nurse back to health. The vinegar didn’t kill it, but it’s looking pretty sad. I simply snipped off the droop portions, and gave the whole plant a good watering bath. It’s coming back just fine and dandy.
Word of caution
Experts say that concentrations higher than household grade vinegar can be dangerous, to you and the environment, and fall into the herbicide category. That defeats the purpose of aiming for non-toxic! Stick with your plain old household grade, and you’ll be just fine.
I encourage you to give this a shot. Let me know how it works for you in the comments below!
