Weeds can be a common issue for gardeners, with many turning to shop-bought weedkillers to combat the problem, but experts have shared a cheap and easy solution that can make them vanish
Garden aficionados recently received fresh advice from Better Homes & Gardens experts on tackling the unwelcome guests in their backyards – the notorious weeds. While some of these plants can be charming or even nutritive, invasive species often mar our well-kept gardens.
Taking care of our garden spaces can be a time-consuming task, especially for those with a busy schedule. However, it’s still important to put some time aside to ensure a healthy growth and look of our outdoor spaces. For those pesky, unrelenting growths, a vinegar concoction could be just the ticket, particularly effective against young, annual weeds.
The experts remarked: “A vinegar mixture works best on small, annual weeds. It’s less effective with older weeds, perennials, or grasses. Drenching the roots of these more stubborn weeds with your DIY solution will likely be required (fall is a good time to do this), and even then, it probably wouldn’t have much effect.”
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They added: “It’s also worth noting that this solution only kills the tops of the target weeds, leaving the roots that can regrow new shoots, so will require more than one application.”
However, they cautioned gardeners about utilising this homespun remedy, warning that it demands careful application, reports the Express.
They advised: “While salt in a vinegar weed killer solution helps dry out weeds, it can build up in the soil and damage it so nothing else will grow in that area. Apply sparingly and avoid using it in areas where you’d like other plants to grow.
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How to make a vinegar weed killer
- Pour one gallon of white vinegar into a large bucket, then add two tablespoons of dish soap and 1 cup of salt, mixing thoroughly.
- Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are fully blended.
- Add to a household spray bottle or garden sprayer.
- Choose a sunny day with a temperature of at least 21C for application, as the solution works best when plants are actively photosynthesising.
- Avoid windy or rainy days, since wind can spread the vinegar to unintended areas and rain can dilute its effectiveness.
- When applying vinegar weed killer, get close to the weed and spray directly onto the leaves.
- Allow at least two weeks before reapplying if necessary.
By following these simple instructions, gardeners will ensure that their outdoor spaces are looking the best – just in time for the summer! It doesn’t require a lot of expertise, but just some effort using this kitchen household item that costs less than a bag of crisps.