Landscape Edging Blog

Here are some ways to kill weeds using things you might have just laying around your house!

 

1. Newspaper: By laying down newspaper, it will block out the sunlight and oxygen from reaching the soil which will in turn smother the weeds that have already sprouted and prevent new plants from taking root. To do this, put down ten sheet layers of newspaper, wet it to keep it in place and cover it in an inch or two of mulch. If the weeds begin to grow in the mulch then you will need to add more layers which will eventually decompose and nourish the soil.
2. Old shower curtains and carpet samples: These potentially useless items can be spread along garden paths or between rows of plants and cover with mulch to help keep weeds from sprouting.
3. Vinegar: The acidity in the vinegar will suck the life out of the plants leaves. This method will be more effective when sprayed on young plants with immature roots, although it will simply just roll off weeds that have waxy leaves such as pennywort and thistle. Make sure you cover your flowers and other desirable plants before you spray, as vinegar will kill them as well. Do not allow it to spray or splatter on to your fruit and vegetables.
4. Vodka: Although the verdict is not in yet if the weeds fall down because they are dead or simply drunk, one ounce of vodka with two cups of water and a couple drops of dish soap will dry out your weeds that live in the sun. It however does not work on shade-loving weeds. Just as I stated previously, protect your flowers and other desirable plants as this will dry them out too!
5. Soap: Soap is a great way to break down waxy or hairy weed surfaces, making them vulnerable. By adding a few drops of liquid dish soap to vinegar or vodka spray, it will help keep the solution on the leaves. The soap also leaves a shiny look which will help you keep track of what you sprayed! T
6. Boiling water: Do you have left over boiling water after making a cup of tea or coffee? Take the kettle outside and pour the boiling water on the weeds to burn them up! This is a great way to whack off driveway and walkway weeds because the boiling water will run off before it reaches your desirable plants!