If you’re looking for a homemade herbicide to control weeds in a garden, driveway, or patio, there are a few common options. Keep in mind that homemade herbicides are generally non-selective, meaning they can damage or kill desirable plants too.
Simple Vinegar Herbicide
Ingredients
- 1 gallon (3.8 L) white vinegar (5% acetic acid)
- 1 tablespoon dish soap
Instructions
- Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle or garden sprayer.
- Spray directly onto weed leaves on a dry, sunny day.
- Avoid spraying nearby plants you want to keep.
How it works
- The vinegar damages leaf tissue.
- The soap helps the solution stick to the leaves.
For tougher weeds
Some gardeners use stronger horticultural vinegar (higher acetic acid concentrations), but it can irritate skin and eyes and should be handled carefully according to the product label.
Other effective non-chemical approaches
- Pull weeds by hand, especially after rain.
- Apply mulch to block sunlight and prevent weed growth.
- Use landscape fabric in problem areas.
- Pouring boiling water on weeds growing in cracks can be effective
