Vinegar Weed Killer
Acetic acid is a great organic homemade weed
killer and can be found in vinegar, as well as lemon juice. While most vinegar
has an acid content of around 5%, a more concentrated solution of 10% to 20%
will more effectively kill weeds. At the right strength this organic weed
killer will kill the leaves of any plant it comes in contact with, but not the
roots.
Because of this it is most effective on young
weeds which don’t have enough energy stored in their roots to make a successful
comeback. Repeated applications will be needed to permanently disable more
established weeds.
Vinegar Weed Killer Recipe
• 120 mls (4 ounces) Lemon juice concentrate
• 1 liter (1 quart) white or cider vinegar
Simply mix the two ingredients together in a
spray bottle and you have your organic weed killer formula. Spot spray it
directly on the weeds, being careful not to spray desirable plants. For the
most effective result the best time to spray in during the heat of the day.
Bleach Weed Killer
Bleach has a similar mode of action to the
acid-based organic weed killer formulas in that it causes an extreme shift in
the pH of the target plant. The main difference is that bleach shifts pH to
strongly alkaline (the opposite direction to a shift to strongly acid).
Being a compound of the elements sodium, chloride
and oxygen, bleach in the environment soon oxidizes to leave a residue of
common salt (sodium chloride).
While salt itself inhibits plant growth, if used
sparingly, the salt residues left behind by bleach soon dissipate with rain or
irrigation. The treated area should be OK to plant after two days.
Only a weak bleach solution (around 4% of active
ingredient) should be used to make this organic weed killer formula. Just pour
into a spray bottle as is and spot treat the weeds you want to remove.
Take care to avoid contact with skin or eyes.
Store safely away from children. If you accidentally spray yourself or
desirable plants, immediately flush them with water.
source: http://www.small-farm-permaculture-and-sustainable-living.com/organic_weed_killer_formula.html
source: http://www.small-farm-permaculture-and-sustainable-living.com/organic_weed_killer_formula.html
