Natural weed killer

Control weeds without damaging your plants or the environment

With federal regulations clamping down on many toxic pesticides and weed killers, it is becoming more difficult to find chemical weed killers on the market. And even the ones still available for personal use aren't necessarily safe for every situation.

Out of concern for the water supply, surrounding plants, and their own health, many gardeners are turning to natural weed killers as an effective solution.

Commercial natural weed killers
Some companies have released natural weed killers for sale in the hopes of appealing to the market of environmentally conscious gardeners. Most natural weed killers available in stores are based on herbal solutions. Many are concocted from corn gluten, which is a natural substance that inhibits growth of weeds while fertilizing the soil.

If you purchase a natural weed killer from the greenhouse or store, read the directions carefully. Because these products are natural, they shouldn't cause harm to you or your pets, but they may need to be applied carefully to prevent residual damage to the rest of your lawn or garden.

Home solutions for natural weed killers
Resourceful gardeners who are struggling to beat the weed problem often turn to home remedies and natural solutions to kill weeds without investing money in commercial solutions. The following substances are known to be "natural weed killers" and may be worth a try. Give these solutions a try before using chemicals as a last resort.

• Vinegar poured or sprayed over invasive plants such as moss will kill them off. Make sure to keep it away from any plants you wish to keep.

• Rock salt sprinkled onto soil will kill any living plants. However, don't try this if you're planning on planting in the area in the future, because the salt will stay in the soil. It is a good choice for weeds that spring up in driveway or sidewalk cracks.

• Boiling water applied once a day for three days will cause weeds to wilt up and die. For best results, pull the dead weed while it is wet; this will make it easier to take up the entire root without leaving some in the soil.

• Rubbing alcohol (about 1 teaspoon) mixed with 1 liter of water makes a good solution for killing weeds. It will also kill other plants, so spray carefully.

 

Natural weed control tips
Preventing weeds from growing in the first place is the best way to care for your garden or lawn. Rather than purchasing expensive and damaging chemical weed inhibitors, try these simple natural ideas.

• Use barriers. Cover the ground around your garden plants with sheet plastic, ground tarps or even newspaper. Stake the cover down with sticks. You may have to reach beneath it to water the plant. The cover will prevent weeds from settling in the soil and taking root.

• Use mulch. A thick layer of mulch around your plants will fertilize the soil and keep weeds from digging in. Live mulches are becoming increasingly popular among gardeners and are completely natural and healthy for your plants.

 

Using a natural method of weed control is a great way to keep your plants healthy without doing harm to your surrounding environment. If you have children or pets that play on the lawn, you should absolutely try to avoid using chemicals of any kind; many weed killers on the market today are more harmful than most of us realize. Weeds are nothing more than plants that are growing in the wrong place, and there's no need for harsh chemical solutions to get rid of them. As in most cases, the most natural and simplest solution is usually the best.