Weeds are every gardener’s ongoing battle, and while commercial weed killers are available, they often contain harsh chemicals that can harm both the environment and desirable plants.
That’s why many are turning to safer, more natural alternatives—like the one passed down by my grandmother, Nana, a lifelong gardener who swears by her homemade, eco-friendly weed killer.
A Recipe Passed Through Generations
Nana’s weed killer comes from a time when expensive commercial solutions weren’t an option. Instead, gardeners relied on simple household ingredients—and her three-part formula remains effective today:
- 1 gallon of white vinegar
- 1 cup of salt
- 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap
These ingredients work together to kill weeds naturally without introducing toxic chemicals to the garden.
Why These Ingredients Work
The power of this DIY mix lies in the way its components interact:
- Vinegar (with 5% acetic acid) is the primary weed killer. It dries out plant leaves on contact, especially effective against young weeds.
- Salt enhances the drying effect by pulling moisture out of plant cells and disrupting their ability to absorb water.
- Dish soap helps the solution stick to leaves and spread evenly, allowing the vinegar and salt to penetrate more effectively.
Used together, these ingredients create a potent weed-killing blend, although care is needed—especially with salt, which can affect soil health if overused.
How to Make and Use It
Making Nana’s weed killer is easy. Just mix the vinegar and salt until fully dissolved, then stir in the dish soap. Pour the solution into a spray bottle or garden sprayer.
Apply it on dry, sunny days when temperatures are above 70°F. Spray the leaves of unwanted weeds directly, being careful to avoid nearby plants you want to keep. Because this mix is non-selective, it will harm any plant it touches.
Be Mindful of Where You Spray
Due to salt’s impact on soil fertility, it’s best to use this solution in places like driveways, walkways, or gravel paths—areas where you don’t plan to grow anything.
Avoid spraying near water sources to prevent potential contamination, and always wear gloves and eye protection while applying the mixture.
A Natural Alternative to Chemicals
While commercial herbicides may work faster, they often come with long-term environmental risks. Nana’s DIY weed killer provides a safe, affordable, and effective option for those wanting to steer clear of synthetic chemicals. Though it may require more frequent reapplication, many gardeners appreciate the control it gives them over what goes into their soil.
Real Gardeners, Real Results
Plenty of gardeners have shared their success with this simple formula. One reported a weed-free garden after two treatments, while another praised its ability to clear stubborn weeds from driveway cracks.
Tips for Best Results
Apply during peak sunlight to speed up the drying effect. For especially tough weeds, you can increase the vinegar concentration slightly—but be cautious, especially if applying near soil where other plants grow. Persistence and timing are key to keeping weeds in check throughout the season.