How to Make Weed Killer From Household Ingredients
Many of the weed killers we use in our yards and flower beds may have harmful effects. From depleting the soil's nutrients to killing its microorganisms and hindering future growth, chemical-packed weed killers, although successful, can wreak havoc on your garden's health. When used alone, the ingredients in this conglomeration are effective; however, when combined, they pack a more powerful punch. They are organic, natural, and overall, quite safe. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Empty milk jug
- White or cider vinegar
- Salt
- Lemon oil
- Spray bottle
- Dish soap
Instructions
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1
Blend together, by shaking vigorously, 12 cups of white or cider vinegar and 2 cups of lemon oil in a 1-gallon milk jug or container. Vinegar is typically about 5 percent acidic, but a 10 to 20 percent concentration is recommended.
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2
Cover 2 cups of salt with hot water, until the level of water and salt are approximately even. Stir and reheat the mixture, if needed, until the salt is completely dissolved.
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3
Add the salt mixture to the 1-gallon container. Shake well until the mixture appears thoroughly blended.
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4
Squeeze five to 10 drops of dish soap into the mixture and swirl the container. Do not shake, as you don't want to create bubbles. The soap will cause the mixture to be more adhesive when applied to the weeds.
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5
Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and apply to weeds. If the mixture separates, swish it around before applying to the weeds, to ensure each ingredient hits the leaves.
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Tips & Warnings
Use gloves. If you fear the mixture will get onto other plants, spray the mixture into your gloved hands and rub the leaves down with it. Remove the roots. This organic weed killer will kill leaves, but it is typically ineffective in eradicating the root system. Use either on young plants with weaker root systems or plan to remove the roots of the weeds once the leaves have died.
Avoid letting vinegar and salt touch plants that you are not trying to kill. They are desiccants, meaning they will work to remove moisture from whatever they touch, potentially killing garden items other than weeds.
