topic Re: Non-Toxic Weed Killers That Work? in Garden

Non-Toxic Weed Killers That Work?

Wahoogaz — Tue, 18 Sep 2018 20:57:30 GMT

I tried using Dr. Earth to kill some weeds in the landscape rocks this week. I think the weeds liked it ... they look bigger .

I've used boiling water before to kill weeds with some success.

Anyone use a non-toxic product that actually works on killing weeds?

Re: Non-Toxic Weed Killers That Work?

Magga1234 — Tue, 18 Sep 2018 21:01:18 GMT

Vinegar!

Re: Non-Toxic Weed Killers That Work?

Lilysmom — Tue, 18 Sep 2018 21:18:41 GMT

I agree with @Magga1234 but be careful it doesn’t migrate into other plant or grass areas. LM

Re: Non-Toxic Weed Killers That Work?

x Hedge — Tue, 18 Sep 2018 21:57:13 GMT

yep, use full strength, look for 5% acidity.

Some cheap brands of vinegar are the full 5%, others are diluted, so check the label.

White, cider doesn't matter. Its the acid percentage that's important.

You can pour it into a sprinkling can, a garden sprayer, or a squeeze bottles with a precise nozzle, which I prefer.

The vinegar kills by upsetting the ph level, making it toxic to the plant without doing lasting harm to the soil.

Your goal is to get the vinegar into the soil right at the roots. If soil is overly dried out dampen it first. This will also kill desireable plants, which is why I like a precise applicator.

Re: Non-Toxic Weed Killers That Work?

Wahoogaz — Tue, 18 Sep 2018 23:59:21 GMT

Thanks for the vinegar suggestions ... I'll give it a try later in the week ... we're actually supposed to get rain over the next 3 days.

Re: Non-Toxic Weed Killers That Work?

Kachina624 — Wed, 19 Sep 2018 01:13:53 GMT

There is a torch made for a propane bottle that singes and kills weeds. TruValue Hardware.

Re: Non-Toxic Weed Killers That Work?

Lilysmom — Wed, 19 Sep 2018 10:06:40 GMT

@Kachina624, I have the weed torch. I use it to control weeds in gravel. I got mine at Lee Valley. Not to be used near mulch, landscape fabric, dry grass etc because of fire risk. When there is a ban on outdoor burning, it should not be used. Keeps the gravel free of those pesky low lying weeds. LM

Re: Non-Toxic Weed Killers That Work?

OKPrincess — Thu, 20 Sep 2018 00:05:07 GMT

Yes the vinegar suggestions sound great. Never knew.

Re: Non-Toxic Weed Killers That Work?

Kachina624 — Thu, 20 Sep 2018 07:05:38 GMT

@Lilysmom wrote:
@Kachina624, I have the weed torch. I use it to control weeds in gravel. I got mine at Lee Valley. Not to be used near mulch, landscape fabric, dry grass etc because of fire risk. When there is a ban on outdoor burning, it should not be used. Keeps the gravel free of those pesky low lying weeds. LM

@Lilysmom My whole big yard is gravel, not a blade of grass. I have to be careful because of the under-layment. I had a lot of weeds this summer. You wouldn't think they could get through the weed blocker and the gravel. Want a tumbleweed to add to your collection?

Re: Non-Toxic Weed Killers That Work?

Lilysmom — Thu, 20 Sep 2018 10:00:44 GMT

@Kachina624, I love that weed torch😀. I have one with a bbq sized tank. The small tank wouldn’t cover what I need to do. They should invent something for the garden. Lately, I have taken to using river rock instead of mulch. You never have to replace it and it is harder for the weeds to establish. I made a new garden area adjacent to the rock wall and used it there. I also used it in the repair where we lost the two large spruce.

We are in single digit temps this morning (Celsius). Someone threw a switch, Fall has arrived. I am guessing my long swims are over for this year. Back to the pool.😢. LM

Re: Non-Toxic Weed Killers That Work?

kismet — Fri, 30 Nov 2018 05:53:50 GMT

I wouldn't use the torch thing near any grass or a fence. My husband thought it was an easy way to kill weeds and he got too close to our fence and set it on fire. Luckily I was walking through the kitchen and saw it through the patio door. It isn't safe unless you have dirt around the weeds. Luckily he had a hose with him but it did damage the fence.