I enjoy being pottering around in the garden but something I’m not a huge fan of is weeding. Weed management can be challenging because once it’s out of hand, it’s really hard to regain control of it. Plus, I really don’t like using chemicals where I can avoid it, once I found out what they do to insects, especially bees, I’ve avoided it.
A while back, I went to visit my Mum. I was sitting in the living room, eating her food and she was into the garden. I wasn’t paying much attention until I looked over to see what she was doing. She had a bottle of bleach in her hand and pouring the bleach in-between the patio brickwork. I was absolutely horrified and to say I nearly lost it was an understatement.
This prompted me to start looking at making my DIY weed killer recipe. I needed something without all the chemicals and toxins found in store-bought weed killers, and the only place I use it is in-between the paving slabs, I don’t touch the weeds in the rest of the garden. I’ve tried a few recipes but the ones below seem to work for me.
Quick links
- What’s the issue with store-bought chemical weed killer?
- What are the benefits to using making your own weed killer?
- Helps to reduce our environmental impact
- Jump to the recipe
- There’s another alternative
- Conclusion
What’s the issue with store-bought chemical weed killer?
Weed killers bought in shops are not only bad for the environment but can be harmful to us humans too. A lot of these harsh chemicals are sprayed in the gardens, parks, playgrounds, and even used in agriculture. Which eventually ends up leaving residue in waterways like lakes, streams, and rivers. There are some reports that Glyphosate, just one of the active ingredient in commercial herbicides, could potentially be an endocrine disruptors. That’s just on humans, what could that mean for wildlife?
These chemicals are sprayed on our foods, which is probably one of the reasons why we are encouraged to wash our fruit and vegetables once we are at home. Although we can’t actually control what is sprayed on our foods (apart from petitions, and starting campaigns to bring awareness), we can control what we put on the weeds in our own back gardens.
I was recently asked ‘Is bleach a better weed killer than vinegar?’ I’m sure it works but it’s incredibly toxic for the environment.
What are the benefits to using making your own weed killer?
As there are environmental and human health issues that are associated with commercial weed killers, many individuals look for more eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives. Making your own DIY natural weed killer recipe offer a range of benefits that contribute to a healthier environment and reduce the potential harm to humans. For many easy homemade weed killer recipes, the main ingredient is likely to be vinegar. But I’ve included two recipes; one with and one without.
Helps to reduce our environmental impact
When making your own natural weed killer, they will likely include natural ingredients with a vinegar solution; household vinegar, salt, and some essential oils. These are less harmful to the environment compared to the synthetic materials and harmful chemicals found in commercial and store-bought weed killers. Because of this, they are likely to break down in the environment more easily, reducing the risk of soil and water contamination.
Cost-Effective Solution
When creating your own natural homemade weed killers, you may find that this is a cost-effective alternative to store-bought ones. Many of the ingredients used in homemade solutions are readily available and affordable, making it a budget-friendly option for individuals looking to maintain a weed-free environment. In my opinion, it’s a really good strong homemade weed killer.
So, you’re probably wondering ‘What is the most powerful homemade weed killer?’
As you will see below, my homemade weed-killer recipe is a simple one, but it’s not the only one. There’s nothing stopping you from trying out different combination of ingredients to find a solution that works for you without heavily impacting any surrounding vegetation. For example adjacent flower beds or nearby plants. Important tip – ensure you know what you’re doing and take the necessary safety precautions, last thing you want to do is accidentally make something dangerous.
A safer alternative for Pets and Children
If you have a look at the side of commercial weed killers, you will generally see a warning label indicating that there is a potential hazard for children and pets. If you create a recipe with natural non-toxic ingredients, there’s a chance that you’re reducing the irritation and affect it could cause to your kids and furry friends.
Check out my natural weed killer recipe for those pesky weeds
Vinegar and Salt Solution:
Ingredients:
- 4 litres of of white vinegar
- 1 cup of salt (ordinary table salt or rock salt is fine)
- 1 tablespoon of dish soap
Method
Mix the ingredients thoroughly and pour the solution into a spray bottle. Apply the mixture directly to garden weeds. For me, the right time is on a sunny day for optimal results. Although these are natural ingredients, I personally always wear gloves.
Citrus Oil and Cayenne Pepper Spray:
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 1 Litre of water
- 2 tablespoons of citrus oil (lemon or orange will do)
- Combine the ingredients and spray the solution on weeds (young weeds or large weeds). The combination of citrus oil and cayenne pepper disrupts weed growth without harming the environment. Stubborn weeds may require another application. Although these are natural ingredients, I personally always wear gloves.
I’ve seen people boil water and pour this directly onto the root of the weed. Although this will probably work, pouring hot water into the ground doesn’t sit well with me which is why I personally don’t do this. This option doesn’t require anything other that boiling hot water. If you go with this option, please be careful with this, you’re using hot water so exercise extreme caution when handling anything hot.
Something someone asked me a while back was ‘Does vinegar and salt kill weeds permanently?’. I personally don’t like adding salt, but that is a personal choice.
There’s one more alternative
Manual weeding, the process of removing weeds by hand or using handheld tools instead of chemical or homemade herbicides, not only offers environmental advantages but also provides several mental health benefits. I remember the therapeutic benefits from when my Grandfather passed away. It was the first time someone close to me had passed away and I had no idea how to cope with it. I didn’t feel like talking to anyone so I went into the garden and started digging up with weeds in-between the paving slabs with some tools I had found in the shed. It helped me take my mind off my grief as I concentrated on the task at hand. While it may seem like a physically demanding task, manual weeding can have a positive impact on mental well-being in various ways:
Mindfulness & Relaxation
Manual weeding often requires focused attention on the task at hand, which can promote mindfulness. Engaging in repetitive movements while weeding, such as pulling out weeds or using hand tools, can be meditative and calming for some. It allows individuals to be fully present in the moment, helping to alleviate stress and anxiety.
Connection with Nature
Spending time outdoors and interacting with nature has been linked to improved mental health. Manual weeding provides an opportunity to connect with the natural environment, whether it’s in a back garden, or a community garden. Being surrounded by greenery and fresh air can have a rejuvenating effect on mood and overall well-being.
Physical Exercise
Although this is a primarily a physical activity, manual weeding also contributes to mental health through exercise. The physical exertion involved in bending, squatting, pulling, and lifting while weeding can release endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Sense of Accomplishment
Successfully removing weeds by hand provides a tangible sense of accomplishment. Seeing the immediate results of your own efforts, such as a clear patch lawn weeds of soil or a weed-free garden bed, can boost self-esteem and confidence. This sense of achievement contributes to a positive mindset and motivation to continue engaging in productive activities.
Stress Reduction
Engaging in outdoor activities like manual weeding has been associated with lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Spending time in green spaces and engaging in gardening activities can help reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. The rhythmic movements involved in manual weeding can also induce a state of flow, where individuals become fully immersed in the task and experience a sense of timelessness.
Therapeutic Benefits
For some individuals, manual weeding can serve as a form of therapeutic horticulture. Horticultural therapy involves engaging in gardening activities to improve mental and emotional well-being. Manual weeding allows individuals to nurture plants, engage in physical activity, and connect with nature, which can have therapeutic effects for those dealing with mental health challenges.
Social Interaction
In community gardens or shared green spaces, manual weeding can also provide opportunities for social interaction and connection. Working alongside others who share a common interest in gardening fosters a sense of community and belonging. Social support has been linked to better mental health outcomes, including reduced feelings of loneliness and increased resilience. After all, humans are social creatures.
Conclusion
The shift towards eco-friendly alternatives, such as homemade weed killers, reflects a growing awareness of the environmental and human health risks associated with commercial herbicides.
By understanding the impact of these chemicals on soil, water, and ecosystems, individuals can make informed choices to minimise their ecological footprint.
Creating your own weed killer using natural ingredients not only provides an effective means of weed control but also contributes to a healthier and more sustainable environment.
The benefits of reduced environmental impact, cost-effectiveness, customisable formulas, and safety for pets and children make homemade eco-friendly weed killers an attractive choice for those seeking to balance weed management with environmental responsibility.
When it comes to manual weeding, not only does it offer environmental benefits but mental health advantages too. From promoting mindfulness and social connection and a sense of accomplishment, there are many positives to draw from it.
As society continues to prioritise sustainability, the adoption of eco-friendly practices, including the use of homemade weed killers, represents a positive step towards a greener and healthier future. By incorporating these alternatives into everyday practices, individuals can play a role in mitigating the environmental and human damage caused by commercial weed killers, contributing to a more harmonious coexistence with nature.
There are many ways to enjoy our gardens without spraying a lot of toxins in it. Something I heard a while back; the environment doesn’t need us, we need the environment.