Stop weeds from taking over garden using 2 ingredients that 'actually work'
A savvy gardener has revealed a brilliant DIY weed killer recipe that requires just two household staples you're likely to have in your kitchen. Michael, who goes by The Mediterranean Gardener on TikTok, shared with his followers a simple yet effective concoction for tackling those unwelcome garden invaders.
This homemade remedy is perfect for those who prefer to steer clear of chemical-laden and commercial products in their green spaces. The original recipe hails from Gardeners World, but Michael vouched for its efficacy, saying the solution "actually works".
Here's how to whip it up. You'll need two popular cleaning agents that are often used in DIY cleaning hacks: distilled vinegar and baking soda, reports the Express.
How to make homemade weed killer
Michael recommends a 2:1 ratio for the mixture – two parts vinegar to one part baking soda – and cautions against adding too much baking soda at once to prevent an overflow reminiscent of a science experiment volcano.
The trick is to add the baking soda gradually, stirring continuously, until the solution is transparent and not milky. Michael advises: "This will create a more effective weed destroyer. Make sure it's all mixed together and add it to a spray bottle."
Once you've transferred the mixture into a spray bottle, douse the weeds liberally with your homemade potion. According to the gardening guru, this solution shows the best results when used on young weeds.
Vinegar is a powerful liquid that can effectively eliminate weeds, making their removal a breeze. Better Homes & Gardens noted that a vinegar-based mixture works most effectively on smaller, annual weeds.
Vinegar can serve as an efficient household remedy thanks to its acidic properties. It contains acetic acid, which functions as a natural herbicide.
The acetic acid destroys the plant's cell walls, causing the weeds to wither and ultimately perish. Vinegar will harm any plant it comes into contact with, though it leaves no lasting impact on the soil, meaning fresh weeds can still emerge.
Several avid gardeners highlighted that combining these two components might cancel out each other's effectiveness.
Michael commented: "If you're going to say mixing the two neutralises itself (I know lol) read below- This is a Gardeners world recipe who are saying councils are trailing this as a weed killer - the only reason I can think of is this. The outcome of a 1:1 mix would create a neutralised solution. Becoming sodium acetate, Co2 and water. I imagine a 2:1 mix means you're left with a distilled vinegar, sodium acetate and water mix.
"Sodium acetate has a much lower impact on soil than sodium chloride. It has a minimal impact on soil structure and degrades in the soil quickly. So what you have is a salty, acidic mixture that doesn't have long term effects on the soil as if you were using vinegar and sodium chloride (edible salt)."
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