Giving Natural Weed Killer Another Try

Giving Natural Weed Killer Another Try CROPS Weed Control Four years ago I tried a “natural weed killer” idea I saw online and didn’t have much luck FARM SHOW Vol 39 Issue 4 But the idea keeps popping up so I decided to give it another try The recipe is 1 gal vinegar 1 1/2 cups Epsom salt and 2 Tbsp Dawn dishwashing soap Vinegar has acetic acid a desiccant that draws moisture from the leaves Salt is also a moisture-sucking desiccant that works on the roots Soap helps the leaves absorb the spray and break down the waxy coating The shiny look that soap leaves also makes it easier to know where you have sprayed Here’s what I’ve learned the second time around: • Plan to do more than one application Even chemical herbicides often require multiple applications • Apply it on a hot sunny day for the best results • Some folks use 1/2 cup of table salt instead of Epsom salt That will affect the soil long term so it should only be used in areas where you don’t ever want to grow anything Salt may actually work better because low doses of Epsom Salt are used by some gardeners to help plants grow • For large areas buy 30 percent white vinegar and dilute it; regular vinegar is just 5 percent Concentrated vinegar is available online starting at about $22/gal Rinse out the sprayer after every use or it will corrode

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