Let’s face reality, nothing quite compares to the feeling of walking barefoot through a well-manicured lawn. The sense of pride and joy you experience, when you step onto your lush, green oasis, is comparable to stepping on stage to accept an award.
Can’t you just hear it now? “And the yard of the month goes to…” However, nothing ruins this moment like weeds. Not only are weeds unsightly, but they threaten the health of your lawn and derail all of your hard work!
While you could just run to the store and grab the first weed killer you see, we suggest handling weeds naturally is the best.
There are easy ways to eliminate weeds organically, and we’re here to show you how you can make organic pre-emergent weed killer at home.
Ways to make organic pre-emergent weed killer at home.
Weeds can hijack your garden beds and lawns if you don’t take proper steps to eliminate them and prevent regrowth. However, some popular weed killers are toxic and can be dangerous to your family, pets, and other plants.
Here are ways you can make DIY organic pre-emergent weed killer.
1. Corn Gluten Meal
One of the most popular Organic pre-emergent weed killer is corn gluten meal, which is a byproduct of cornmeal processing and has multiple benefits for gardeners.
The material is 10% slow-releasing nitrogen, which fertilizes the soil and stops weeds such as crabgrass and dandelions from emerging. Corn gluten meal doesn’t treat existing weed infestations.
Use a combination of natural weed control and natural pre-emergent treatments to keep weeds away from your home.
Use a garden spreader or sprinkle by hand, covering the soil evenly. Aim for about 20 pounds per 1,000 square feet and water the area lightly. Corn gluten meal releases natural compounds that inhibit weed seeds from germinating, but it works best when watered in and then allowed to dry.
2. Vinegar
What can’t vinegar do? Most households have it lying around and it’s cheap to purchase, making it an accessible alternative to chemical herbicides. The acetic acid in vinegar absorbs moisture in the plant and kills it pretty quickly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 gallon Vinegar (acetic acid content of at least 5% is ideal), 2 cups of Salt (acts as a desiccant), and 2 tablespoons of Dish Soap (helps the solution adhere to leaves).
Instructions
In a large container, combine the vinegar and salt. Stir until the salt is completely dissolved and add the dish soap to the mixture and stir gently to avoid creating too many bubbles.
Pour the mixture into a spray bottle for easy application and make sure to label the bottle clearly to avoid any confusion.
Apply your organic pre-emergent weed killer on a dry, sunny day to help the solution work effectively by allowing it to dry on the plant leaves.
Spray directly onto the leaves of the weeds you wish to eliminate. Be careful not to spray desirable plants, as this solution can harm them as well.
Check the treated areas after a few days. You may need to reapply if new weeds appear or if some weeds are particularly resilient.
3. Lemon juice
Ever heard the saying, “When life gives you lemons, make weed killer”? Douse unwanted plants with lemon juice and they’ll die within a couple of days.
Instructions
Take 12 ounces of water and mix it with juice squeezed from a whole lemon. Put the solution into a spray bottle and spray the affected area.
This rarely needs a second application and is an effective way to kill weeds and make sure they don’t come back. Due to its acidity, lemon juice may also affect the grass and plants surrounding the weed, so be careful to only apply it to the weed itself!
4. Vodka or gin
This method can be used for killing broadleaf weeds like dandelions and chickweeds. When applied to weeds, the alcohol in vodka or gin evaporates quickly. This rapid evaporation causes the plant to lose moisture, leading to dehydration.
Add one ounce of vodka or gin with two cups of water. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle for easy application and spray the solution on emerging plants on a sunny, hot day so that the energy from the sun will react with the alcohol and burn the weeds.
5. Essential Oils
Did you know essential oils can help eradicate weeds? Clove oil and cinnamon oil are the best for your lawn and garden. Here’s how to use this organic weed control remedy on your lawn:
Fill a spray bottle with water and Add 15 drops of clove oil. Next, add 10 drops of cinnamon oil, Spray directly onto weeds daily until they’re gone. It should take about a week!
6. Mulch and newspaper
Mulch and newspaper are effective tools for killing weeds through a combination of physical barriers and smothering techniques. Here’s how they work:
Mulch and newspaper act primarily by blocking sunlight from reaching the soil surface which weeds require light to germinate and grow.
They also regulate soil temperature, keeping it cooler during hot weather and retaining moisture for desirable plants which can also create an environment that is less favorable for weed growth.
Add layers of mulch about 2 to 3 inches thick and newspaper to suffocate weeds while feeding your plants.
Tips for Effectiveness
- Use Caution: While this organic solution is safer than chemical alternatives, it can still affect any plant it comes into contact with.
- Test First: Before widespread application, test on a small area to ensure it doesn’t harm your desired plants.
- Regular Maintenance: Incorporate this weed killer into your routine gardening practices for the best results.
- Hand-pulling weeds: Spot-check your garden regularly and remove any early sprouts by hand to maintain a weed-free environment.
- Wear gloves and eye protection while handling these ingredients to prevent irritation.
- Store any leftover solution in a cool, dark place and shake well before each use.
Summary
Creating your own organic pre-emergent weed killer offers a safe, cost-effective way to manage weeds in your garden. With regular application, this method will make your garden more resilient, keeping your plants healthy and thriving.
Organic pre-emergent weed killer is effective and safe, and they don’t harm the environment the way harsh chemicals do. We recommend using natural weed-killing remedies that consist of ingredients you may already have at home.
Start your journey toward a chemical-free garden today by trying out these easy DIY organic pre-emergent weed killer!
