Recipe: Natural Weed Killer

Getting rid of those pesky weeds that crop up along paths, in driveways and in sidewalk cracks can be quick and easy. Potent pesticides can kill weeds but are dangerous to other plants, animals and people. According to research reported on the USDA Agricultural Research Service website, a common household product found in most kitchen cupboards effectively kills weeds when properly used. This natural weed killer is inexpensive, nonhazardous and environmentally safe.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• White distilled vinegar
• Plastic spray bottle

1. • 1
     Fill a plastic spray bottle with white distilled vinegar. Do not dilute it with water or any other liquid. White distilled vinegar you buy in the supermarket is already 95 percent water. According to the USDA, five percent acetic acid from household vinegar can be an effective organic weed killer.
   • 2
     Pick a dry, breeze-free day to spray. Vinegar is less effective on a windy or rainy day. And it's always best to wait until the sun is at its hottest before applying. The heat from the sun enhances the weed-killing power of white distilled vinegar.
   • 3
     Spray a liberal amount of white distilled vinegar directly on weeds sticking out of cracks and crevices on paths. Two to three squirts from the spray bottle on each patch of weeds is typically enough. Be careful to avoid spraying nearby grass or plants you want to keep alive. White distilled vinegar is non-selective. It kills all plants that it comes in contact with.
   • 4
     Check the weeds after 12 hours. You should see a noticeable reaction to the white distilled vinegar spray. Repeat the spraying if the weeds remain green. Remove weeds by pulling them out along with their roots with a gloved hand if they are brown and dried out. Spraying the area periodically with white distilled vinegar keeps paths clear of weeds before they grow.
   • 5
     Store the unused portion of white distilled vinegar in the plastic spray bottle in a cool dry place. Be sure to label the container for future reference. Vinegar can be used for weed control well past the expiration date printed on the bottle.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not touch your face or skin with white distilled vinegar. The acidic solution can burn
• skin and eyes.
• Keep vinegar out of the reach of children and pets.
  
  How to Keep Paths Clear of Weeds