Weeds can quickly take over your garden space and lawn if left unchecked.These unwanted plants provide some advantages, though many homeowners prefer removing them to maintain a tidy and thriving garden. August is crucial in gardening as it marks the last phase of summer before cooler fall temperatures arrive.
Certain weeds can actually prove beneficial – they may protect exposed soil, thrive in containers, or even serve as food. However, invasive or toxic varieties should be eliminated.
To assist gardeners, specialists from Better Homes & Gardens revealed that a homemade weed killer offers an efficient method for controlling unwanted plants that have begun emerging.
They explained: “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.
“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.”
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Nevertheless, the specialists have urged gardeners to apply the solution with caution.
They stated, “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.”
Pour one gallon of white vinegar into a large bucket, then mix in two tablespoons of dish soap and one cup of salt until well combined.
Stir until all the ingredients are fully incorporated. Transfer the mixture to a household spray bottle or garden sprayer.
Opt for a sunny day with temperatures above 70F for application, as the solution is most effective when plants are actively photosynthesizing.
Steer clear of windy or rainy days, as wind can carry the vinegar to unwanted areas and rain can weaken its potency.
When using the vinegar weed killer, get up close to the weed and aim the spray directly at the leaves. Wait at least two weeks before reapplying if needed.