Ivy plants are of the hardy variety. They can either creep along the ground or climb trees, rocks, and buildings by winding their stems around any available support.
For those grappling with the invasive nature of ivy in their gardens, a natural solution may be preferable to harsh chemicals. Instead of reaching for potent herbicides, consider using more benign methods you might already have at home.
Jim and Mary Competti from Old World Garden Farms have named vinegar a powerful natural ally in the fight against persistent ivy. The impact can be impressive whether you use strong horticultural vinegar or common household white vinegar.
The gardening experts highlighted: “Vinegar is highly effective in eradicating ivy for good.” They clarified that horticultural vinegar (also sometimes referred to as industrial vinegar) has a much higher concentration of acid than regular kitchen vinegar.
They said: “Kitchen vinegar is usually around five percent strength, whereas horticultural vinegar can be upwards of 30 to 45 percent acidity. However, kitchen vinegar can still be used if you don’t have access to horticultural vinegar.”
Just as vinegar can be utilised to eliminate weeds on driveways, patios and paving joints, it’s also deadly for ivy. To use, simply fill a spray bottle with the vinegar and apply it undiluted.
The gardening experts instructed: “Spray the leaves liberally with the solution and watch it work. Spraying during the heat of the day and in direct sunlight will increase its effectiveness even more.
“Be careful when spraying around other plants only to hit the leaves of the ivy. Vinegar is non-specific, meaning the acid will kill any plant that it comes in contact with. It will usually take a couple of applications a few days apart to completely kill ivy down to the roots.”
Always wear protective eye and hand gear when using high-strength vinegar. It is still an acid, and contact with it can cause burns to the skin and eyes.
If vinegar isn’t your thing, gardeners can always turn to a saltwater solution to “kill ivy naturally”, according to the experts.
To concoct this solution, mix two cups of salt with half a gallon of water. The pros also suggest adding a few drops of washing-up liquid for good measure.
They explained: “This helps the spray cling to the ivy leaves instead of just dripping off. Place in a hand sprayer and apply liberally to the ivy leaves.”
However, just as with vinegar, the salt solution will harm any plant life it comes in contact with. Be careful to only spray the leaves of the ivy and not the foliage of surrounding plants.
For optimal results, they advised: “Spray every three to four days until the foliage is completely dead to be sure you have killed the roots.”
Once the ivy has been eradicated, all plant parts must be disposed of properly. They should be bagged securely and taken to the local waste centre. Do not add them to compost heaps, as this could lead to the ivy regrowing unintentionally.