Five brilliant ways to use white vinegar in the garden—from killing weeds to deterring ants (Image: Getty)
White vinegar has some great uses around the home. From descaling kettles to cleaning windows, the 39p ingredient is a staple in many people’s cupboards.
Mark Dwelly, Head Gardener at Audley Stanbridge Earls, has shared some advice on using natural ingredients outside. He said: “White vinegar is a clever little garden fix for targeted jobs like spot-weeding, cleaning tools and freshening hard surfaces.” However, the expert warned that the 39p ingredient is best treated like a “precision tool”, rather than being used casually.
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Remove weeds
The expert said: “It’s [white vinegar] is especially handy on paths, patios and in cracks where weeds tend to pop up, but it’s not something to spray around carelessly in flower beds.”
Weeds can be killed with the natural solution by mixing one litre of water with some white vinegar and a tablespoon of washing-up liquid.
This mixture can be sprayed directly onto the weeds during hot, sunny weather for maximum effect. The acetic acid in vinegar will help kill and dehydrate weeds within 24 hours.
Deter pests
According to the expert, white vinegar can help deter animals and pests, such as ants and cats, from your flower beds.
He added: “It’s not a miracle cure, though, more of a useful little helper.” To use it, you can soak cloths in vinegar and place them around the garden.
If you are struggling with ants, pop some down on a dry, sunny day when they are visible; it can help disrupt their trails.
Vinegar can kill weeds fast (Image: Getty)Clean patios
The natural solution can remove grime and algae from patios when used at a 1:1 ratio with water.
Simply apply it to the surface, let it soak for 30 to 60 minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush and rinse.
Some patios will not tolerate white vinegar and may even become damaged from it, so make sure to check whether the material of your patio can withstand it.
Cleaning gardening tools
To clean gardening tools, mix white vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio and use it to remove rust, helping reduce soil-borne diseases.
Soil acidifier
White vinegar can be used as a soil acidifier by putting two tablespoons of vinegar per one litre of water for acid-loving plants.
This includes azaleas, blue hydrangeas and blueberries, but make sure to put it in the soil, rather than on the plants themselves.
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