How to Make a Non Toxic Weed Killer

After pests and the natural elements the most damaging thing to a garden is weeds. While you may be tempted by the easy solution, store bought herbicides, the negative environmental effects of herbicides outweigh any benefit. Most of the herbicides currently on the market are specific, killing only particular weeds. The fact that the store bought herbicides are designed to target specific plants doesn’t make them any less toxic. Herbicides are toxic to most animals and herbicides can seep into the ground water; causing contamination.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Gin
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Liquid Dish Soap
• Hot Water
• Hand held mister

How to Make a Non Toxic Weed Killer

1. Gather supplies. You will need gin, apple cider vinegar, liquid dish soap, hot water for the mix and a hand held mister to apply it.

2. Mix the gin, apple cider vinegar, and water. Combine 1 tbsp gin, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 quart of hot water. The water should be hot but not boiling.

3. Add liquid dish soap. Carefully stir in 1 tsp of liquid dish soap. Pour the mixture into a hand held sprayer.

4. Drench the weeds. Spraying the weeds, being careful not to spray any nearby plants. Weed the area closest to the plants by hand to avoid damage to the plants.

5. Control weeds. In addition to the weed killer a few gardening practices can reduce weed growth dramatically. Plan to weed for 30 minutes every week. Do not let weeds go to seed. If you do nothing else, remove the seed heads or pods from weeds.

6. Maintain your weeding habits during the off season. Cover plants with mulch to prevent weed growth. Plan to rotate crops from year to year because weeds and pest have difficulty adjusting. Add the weeds to the compost because they make excellent compost.

Tips & Warnings

• The most natural weed killer is to pour boiling water directly on the weeds but that can damaging to everything in the area.