If you want a homemade herbicide for small weed problems, the goal is usually to damage the weed’s leaves and reduce growth. Keep in mind that many homemade mixtures are non-selective—they can harm grass, flowers, vegetables, and other plants they touch.
Simple homemade weed spray (for cracks and hard surfaces)
Ingredients
- 1 liter white vinegar
- 1–2 teaspoons liquid dish soap
How to use
- Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle.
- Apply directly to weed leaves on a dry, sunny day.
- Avoid spraying plants you want to keep.
- Reapply if weeds grow back.
Important tips
- Vinegar-based sprays often work best on young, small weeds.
- They may burn the leaves but may not kill deep roots, so some weeds can return.
- Do not use near edible plants unless you are sure it is safe for that situation.
- Avoid spraying on windy days to prevent drift.
For longer-lasting weed control
- Pull weeds after rain when soil is softer.
- Add mulch around garden plants.
- Fill cracks in paving where weeds repeatedly grow.
- Use targeted commercial herbicides when appropriate and follow the label directions.
For a lawn, vegetable garden, driveway, or patio, the best method is different—tell me where the weeds are growing and what type they are, and I can suggest the safest approach.
