Gardening expert Michael Griffiths has shared his simple two-ingredient recipe using common kitchen items for an ‘effective homemade weed killer’ that he says ‘actually works’
Garden weeds have a knack for sprouting back swiftly at this time of year, despite our best attempts to banish them from our lawns and patios. With that in mind, a gardening expert has shared how you can whip up an effective weed killer yourself using two common ingredients you might already have in your kitchen.
Michael Griffiths, who regularly imparts his horticultural knowledge on TikTok, assures this solution “actually works” well. “The first ingredient to use is distilled vinegar,” he began in a video, explaining that it acts as a herbicide. The other item you’ll need from your cupboards is bicarbonate of soda.
Michael continued: “Don’t add too much of it at once [to the vinegar] or it will fizz everywhere. Instead, add it slowly mixing it as you go.”
He reassured his followers this method will create a “more effective weed destroyer”. Michael concluded: “Make sure it’s all mixed together and add it to a spray bottle. Give the weed a good soaking and it will be finished before you know it.”
He also provided further details in his video’s caption, explaining: “I used a 2:1 (2 parts vinegar, 1 part bicarbonate) solution.
“Mix together until the solution is completely clear otherwise it will clog your spray bottle.”
In response to concerns about the ingredients of his mixture, Michael took to the comments section himself to clarify: “If you’re going to say mixing the two neutralises itself (I know).
“The outcome of a 1:1 mix would create a neutralised solution. Becoming sodium acetate, Co2 and water. I imagine a 2:1 mix means you’re left with a distilled vinegar, sodium acetate and water mix. Sodium acetate has a much lower impact on soil than sodium chloride.”
He further explained: “It has a minimal impact on soil structure and degrades in the soil quickly. So what you have is a salty, acidic mixture that doesn’t have long term effects on the soil as if you were using vinegar and sodium chloride (edible salt).”
He also recommended: “Give the weed a really good soak. This is best used on young weeds.”
Reacting to this, one TikTok user shared their own technique: “I use vinegar and salt plus put in a splash of washing up liquid so the mixture sticks to the plants. It works wonders.”
Similarly, another person revealed: “I make my own weed killer – vinegar, a small squeeze of dish liquid, a small teaspoon of salt – give it a good shake, works a treat.”
You can also buy weed killer from supermarkets, garden centres or online stores such as Amazon, but this is a good natural alternative.