With the increasing controversy surrounding the health effects of glyphosate, why not skip the Roundup and try this 100% natural weed killer?
Glyphosate, the primary active ingredient in Roundup, the world’s most popular herbicide, has been classified by the World Health Organization as a Group 2A carcinogen. (See the previous post The Health Hazards of Glyphosate.)
Why take a chance when you can effectively kill weeds naturally?
Many DIY weed killers use white vinegar. I have found the weeds in the Arizona desert too hardy for white vinegar. I have had better success with horticultural vinegar!
What is the difference between white vinegar and horticultural vinegar?
White vinegar is a 5% acetic acid compound while horticultural is a 20% acetic acid product. White vinegar is obviously much cheaper, but I have found a little goes a long way with the 20% solution.
You can also dilute the 20% with an equal amount of water to create a 10% solution. (10% may be enough for your weeds and may be advisable as 20% is quite strong and will burn skin on contact.)
DIY Weed Killer – Recipe #1
- 2 cups horticultural vinegar (dilute with equal parts water if desired)
- splash of citrus oil
The citrus oil contains d-limonene, which naturally strips away the waxy plant cuticle, adding to the dehydration of the plant. (I don’t use my expensive orange or lemon essential oils for this. I like this affordable natural orange oil.)
Blend the two in a spray bottle and apply directly to weeds. Be sure to spray only the plants you are seeking to eliminate as this will kill any living plant in its path.
DIY Weedkiller – Recipe #2
- 1-gallon vinegar (10-20% acetic acid is recommended.)
- 1/2 c. liquid soap
- 2 tbsp. salt
Combine and shake. Place in spray bottle and spray leaves and stems of weeds only.
For either recipe, be sure to pick a dry time to spray. You want the weeds to be thirsty! Apply in the evening and let them drink all night. In Arizona, I have had success by spraying in the middle of the day. Either way, you want them to be parched.
Given the health impact of chemicals like glyphosate, why not give this natural solution a try?
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Thanks Andrea for this info! I was glad to read there was a possible substitute for Roundup. But after ordering a case of the 20% horticultural vinegar I saw the following in the September issue of Southern Living magazine. The Grumpy Gardener replied to a reader’s question regarding killing weeds with vinegar. He said the 20% horticultural vinegar is caustic and can cause serious damage to skin and eyes; unlike Roundup, it isn’t taken down to the roots, so tough perennial weeds may grow back. And it acidifies the soil, which some plants might not like. It’s best use is for killing weeds in the cracks of sidewalks and driveways, but beware, repeated use can actually dissolve concrete. We have a gravel driveway so I will experiment with the weeds in the driveway but omit using it in flower and vegetable gardens. Maybe it won’t dissolve the gravel in the driveway!! 🙂 Hopefully the weeds in the driveway will be alkaline soil lovers and won’t keep returning.
This sure makes sense. It is caustic and very useful between cracks. I’m sure overuse or reliance on this has its downside that’s for sure. Thank you!
In order for it to acidify your soil you would have to use a lot of it. Generally the vinegar dissipates in the soil from watering, rain and evaporation.
Wynne, Thanks for the addtional info!
Hi Andrea Fabry, I accidentally stumbled upon your site and I’m glad I did. I like the quality of your work and you seem to be a very special lady. The little I have read of your writings, I like very much. You are the kind of person I would like to sit down and discuss life and what you have experienced. Another lady I met on FB is Trudy Pieper. She wrote a book on how to prevent cancer which I believe is the only way to deal with it. I bought the book and her notes on FB are themselves very valuable. It’s wonderful to meet so many great people on the Web. Oh, I am 81 years old and enjoy the technology that exists at this time in the years of 2000. I will continue to search your site for great truths. I am learning all I can about inner cleansing and detoxifying. I have high levels of heavy metals in my body says a challenge lab test. I think slowly is the key. Keep writing; I love it. John
Nice to hear from you, John. Yes, slow is the way isn’t it. That’s why I called the blog It Takes Time!
Thanks for your comments John! I think it’s awesome that you have a continued interest in improving yourself and your environment.
I am so happy to find something to use that is effective! I am especially happy that RoundUp will not be purchased by so many because of this article. RoundUp is manufactered by Monsanto. Monsanto also produced Agent Orange. and is behind the movement of genetically modified organisms (GMO’s). If you are interested in learning more about this evil giant, go here: http://www.thrivemovement.com/critical-issue-gmos-genetically-modified-organisms
All of that to say, I am MOST PLEASED to find an alternative not only for my health, but to hit Monsanto where it hurts them the most: their wallet.
Andrea,
Thank you for your research, and finding a more natural, less harmful way to weed elimination. I don’t know where to find horticultural vinegar, but can probably type it into subject line on PC and get answers. It’s also always good to hear from others who have some more or extra knowledge about the subject!
Did you know Monsanto wants to use Agent Orange here in the USA now? I read this quite some time ago. It’s crazy! I often wonder why they don’t take the time to try enriching the soil instead. I read or heard that insects go after the unhealthy plants. It’s too bad Monsanto doesn’t experiment with soil enhancement to see what happens.
My son-in-law & daughter had a CSA (Consumer Supported Agriculture) business, and would sell raffle tickets to raise money to do soil enhancement for their veggies. This is upstate NY, and I couldn’t believe the huge, dark green, fragrant celery they produced! And large leaves with NO INSECT bites! Amazing.
Yes, I’m saddened by all of it. We would fare so much better if we produced our food with natural methods. That’s great to hear about your daughter and son-in-law!
I’ve never seen horticultural vinegar before. Where do you buy it? Thanks for sharing this at Savoring Saturdays, Andrea. 🙂
Amazon carries it, Raia. Other sites online. I have not seen it at Home Depot or Lowe’s in my area.
I ordered the horticultural vinegar but don’t know what citrus oil to buy. Could you be more specific about the oil? I looked on line at Amazon but it seemed very expensive for the amount I would be using. Thanks for your help.
Hi Sharon. I might go for something like this that should last a long time.
http://www.amazon.com/3-Pack-Variety-NOW-Essential-Oils/dp/B00X4PE3H4/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1462980835&sr=8-4&keywords=citrus+essential+oil
How will this affect a garden if spraying the weeks? How long does it stay in the soil? Have you sprayed Johnson grass?
I have not used with Johnson grass. This is best used with isolated patches as it adversely impacts your good soil from what I understand.
How successful is this on poison ivy?? I feel like Repunzel!! Help!!
I’m not sure on that, Diane!! Certainly worth a try.
I have an area behind my garage that is fenced in. The weeds inside there are 4 ft tall & have stickers on the stalk. They grow in the garden as well but I get them when they are little. The stalks are 2 inches in diameter. I haven’t messed with them in a year because the last time I did I got some kind of poison, ivy or something & had to get shots to get rid if it. Do you think this stuff will work & do you think I can get them out by the roots. There is no grass there just small white stones. I need help.
I’m honestly not sure, Terry!
I’ve recently removed my grass from the front yard for a xeriscape yard to preserve water here in California. Although I installed a fabric weed barrier and placed rock and rubber landscaping on top of the barrier AND I live in the high desert where it is very hot in summer. . . I STILL get occasional weeds!. I believe this will be a perfect solution to those pesky sprouts and will be trying it soon! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.