If you’ve reduced your reliance on chemicals in your home, it’s time to turn your attention to the garden and get to know some ways to kill weeds without chemicals. I think that proprietary weed killers are so expensive and it always seems to take more applications than the instructions say. These ways to kill weeds without chemicals are not only eco-friendly, they’ll save you money too.
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Boiling Water
If you have weeds, don’t just throw away boiled water after cooking pasta, rice or potatoes. This water is one of the great ways to kill weeds without chemicals. Pour this boiling water straight from the pot onto the weeds to eradicate them, but take care not to get it onto plants you are caring for.
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Borax
Paved drives and brickwork paths are neat and tidy and should be very low maintenance. That’s all spoilt when weeds sprout up between bricks and cracks, whether on a wall or underfoot. One of my favorite non-toxic ways of killing weeds is to sprinkle borax between the bricks and in the cracks.
Borax, often hailed as a laundry booster, can be a gardener's best friend. To utilize, simply mix well with water according to package directions and pour the solution over weed-infested areas. As a natural herbicide, it effectively disrupts the growth of weeds without harming the environment or risking the health of your pets and family. Remember to use sparingly; too much borax can damage the surrounding plants you love. Reapply after rain or watering to ensure consistent weed control. With regular application, your outdoor spaces will remain charming and weeds, a worry of the past.
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Cornmeal
Prevention is always better than cure and this also goes for weeds. Cornmeal is an ideal green-friendly means of destroying weeds because it stops seeds from developing into plants. Sprinkle cornmeal in sections of your garden where you want to put full grown plants or plants you’ve grown from seeds. Cornmeal is the best remedy if you have kids and pets because it won’t harm them.
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Baking Soda
Baking soda can be used to treat those pesky weeds that have a habit of growing in cracks between paving stones/slabs on your paths or driveways or even patio. Give a really good sprinkling of baking soda over the weeds and sweep the surplus into the cracks.
To ensure the baking soda does its job effectively, dampen the weeds slightly before applying. This helps the substance cling to the leaves and stems, where it will cause dehydration by drawing out moisture from the weed. Remember to apply on a dry, sunny day and avoid your beloved garden plants, as baking soda is non-selective and can harm them as well. Reapply every few weeks to maintain a pristine and uninvited greenery-free space. With patience and persistence, baking soda can be your eco-friendly partner in the fight against weeds.
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Salt
Environmentally-friendly methods of killing weeds include the use of humble salt. All that’s needed is for you to sprinkle salt at the base of each weed to kill it. This is also a good remedy if slugs are taking over your garden.
Salt has been used as a herbicide and pesticide since ancient times. When applied directly, it dehydrates plants and disrupts the internal water balance of weeds, causing them to wither and die. Be cautious with its application since salt can also harm beneficial plants and can cause soil degradation if used excessively. To protect your cherished plants, apply salt sparingly and only to the weeds you wish to eliminate. This natural solution can offer a temporary fix and works best on patios, walkways, and areas where you want to prevent all vegetation growth.
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Silence at the proper season is wisdom, and better than any speech.
Mulch
Mulch is a necessary component for healthy plants. Cover the ground with mulch and it stops weeds from growing. If you don’t have mulch, then cover the ground around your lovely, healthy plants with newspaper because lack of sun will kill low-growing weeds.
Indeed, mulch serves as more than just a weed deterrent. It also helps maintain soil moisture and regulates temperature, giving your plants an optimal environment for growth. As a bonus, organic mulches such as wood chips or straw can break down over time, improving soil structure and fertility. When applying mulch, aim for a thickness of about 2-3 inches, but be mindful to leave some space around the base of your plants to avoid moisture-related diseases. And if you're not a fan of the newspaper look, try using cardboard or even aged leaves for a more natural appearance.
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Homemade Sprays
Some of the more effective environmentally-friendly ways of killing weeds involve catching them when they’re young and more vulnerable. Spray new and young weeds directly with white or apple cider vinegar. Be careful to avoid other plants. Sprays are such easy ways to kill weeds without chemicals and if you have broad-leafed weeds growing in direct sunlight, there’s a spray you can mix up yourself. You need 1 oz vodka, a few drops of liquid dish soap and 2 cups of water. Mix all together in a spray bottle, and then liberally spray onto leaves of weeds.
Weeds can be persistent little blighters, so I won’t tell you these chemical-free ways of killing weeds work like a miracle. You have to be as persistent as the weeds! But it’s a small price to pay if you want to avoid nasty weed killing chemicals in your garden – especially if you have pets. And do remember – keep your plants safe while using these methods. Avoid getting these sprays and powders on anything but the weeds. How do you treat your weeds?
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