{"id":3872,"date":"2024-11-08T10:52:26","date_gmt":"2024-11-08T10:52:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastminutegarden.com\/?p=3872"},"modified":"2024-11-08T11:07:35","modified_gmt":"2024-11-08T11:07:35","slug":"organic-pre-emergent-weed-killer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastminutegarden.com\/index.php\/organic-pre-emergent-weed-killer\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Make Organic Pre-Emergent Weed Killer At Home"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Let\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can\u2019t you just hear it now? \u201cAnd the yard of the month goes to\u2026\u201d 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! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While you could just run to the store and grab the first weed killer you see, we suggest handling weeds naturally is the best. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are easy ways to eliminate weeds organically, and we\u2019re here to show you how you can make organic pre-emergent weed killer at home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ways to make organic pre-emergent weed killer at home.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Weeds can hijack your garden beds and lawns if you don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are ways you can make DIY organic pre-emergent weed killer.<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Corn Gluten Meal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Organic<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019t treat existing weed infestations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use a combination of natural weed control and natural pre-emergent treatments to keep weeds away from your home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Vinegar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What can\u2019t vinegar do? Most households have it lying around and it\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ingredients You’ll Need<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instructions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pour the mixture into a spray bottle for easy application and make sure to label the bottle clearly to avoid any confusion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check the treated areas after a few days. You may need to reapply if new weeds appear or if some weeds are particularly resilient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Lemon juice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ever heard the saying, \u201cWhen life gives you lemons, make weed killer\u201d? Douse unwanted plants with lemon juice and they\u2019ll die within a couple of days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instructions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This rarely needs a second application and is an effective way to kill weeds and make sure they don\u2019t 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! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Vodka or gin\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Organic<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Essential Oils<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Did you know essential oils can help eradicate weeds? Clove oil and cinnamon oil are the best for your lawn and garden.  Here\u2019s how to use this organic weed control remedy on your lawn: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019re gone. It should take about a week!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Mulch and newspaper<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Organic<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Mulch and newspaper are effective tools for killing weeds through a combination of physical barriers and smothering techniques. Here\u2019s how they work: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mulch and newspaper act primarily by blocking sunlight from reaching the soil surface which weeds require light to germinate and grow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Add layers of mulch about 2 to 3 inches thick and newspaper to suffocate weeds while feeding your plants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips for Effectiveness<\/h2>\n\n\n\n