As a homeowner and yard lover, chances are that you want to protect your land and ecosystem from the dangers of using products containing chemicals which can do more harm than good. We’re talking about weed killers.
Top 3 - Organic Weed Killers
Traditional weed killers can be extremely powerful, but it also comes down to the toxic chemicals that they use. Of course, those are great at killing off even the most stubborn weeds, but they have several risks attached to them, including potentially poisoning your children or pets!
That’s why many home owners choose non-toxic organic weed killers over toxic ones. In this article, we’re going to explore some of the best organic weed killers, followed by my quick guide on how to use them properly.
Best Organic Weed Killers (Non-Toxic) that Get Results
The Green Gobbler solution is very flexible, as it can be used in a variety of situations in and around your home and yard. Outside, you can use it to kill weeds as well as cleaning stains off patio and decking installations.
Inside your home, you can clean tiles and lino flooring, remove stains from seats, furniture and drain lines, and even continuously clean your work surfaces; all thanks to the 30% vinegar solution.
This concentrated solution is up to 6x stronger than traditional vinegar solutions, meaning the most stubborn of weeds and stains won’t survive. It’s pet-friendly, earth-friendly, and prides itself as being a completely natural solution.
The Calyptus Vinegar solution is known as being one of the leading industrial alternatives to traditional weed killer products since it really packs a punch. With a 45% vinegar concentration, this recipe is up to nine times stronger than regular vinegar solutions and commercial cleaning products.
This means any stubborn weeds, large areas of your yard that you want to clear, or any tough cleaning projects you want to tackle in your house; this is the solution that will help you get it done.
What’s more, you can buy a single bottle or a pack of four, which ideal if you need a lot for a larger product and you want to make sure you have enough.
Taking a rather unique approach compared to the rest of the market, Doctor Kirchner’s solution is made from an ocean saltwater base mixed with commercial strength food vinegar and soap. Altogether, this creates a rather effective weed killer solution.
Containing no toxic chemicals like hormone disruptors and Glyphosate, and with absolutely no mixing required, you can get started with using this solution right out of the box with no fears of it causing any unwanted damage.
This stuff is fantastic and works really well on all weeds and surfaces you want to be cleaned. Most weeds will be cleared within 24-hours as long as you apply the solution on a sunny day. The eco-friendly sustainable bag package that minimizes plastic usage is also a really nice touch.
This one is packaged as more of a traditional weed killer with a handy spray bottle, meaning you can start applying this solution instantly, Harris Vinegar solution is powerful stuff. Capable of killing everything from chickweeds to crabgrass, this non-toxic solution is made from a 20% vinegar solution.
Measuring in at around 4x stronger than traditional table vinegar that will get results in the form of browning, wilting, and finally killing your weeds. Easy to apply, minimal smells, and effective results within 24-hours. I can’t stress enough, this is one fast-acting solution that gets the job done.
One note is that the spray wand provided isn’t the best. It does work but can leak from time to time and is made on a budget. If you have any problems, simply switch the solution over to your normal weed killer applicator, and you shouldn’t have any problems.
Made from fully natural ingredients (acetic acid and clove oil), Bonide is a highly effective weed killer solution that is ideal if you’re tackling a backyard or driveway full of a large variety of weeds.
The label states this weed killer can deal with over 20 unique types of annual and perennial weeds; including all of the most common species.
Fully approved for organic gardening, you can use this solution anywhere, and one of the key features you don’t want to miss is the fact that it’s rainproof when dry!
Due to the unique formula, this stuff literally disintegrates weeds in next-to-no time, although the thickness of the solution may clog your spray, so don’t forget to use filters!
If you’re looking for a different, non-vinegar approach to non-toxic weed killers, Avenger offers this unique take with their citrus oil active ingredient. What this does is get absorbed into the plant and causes it to naturally dehydrate and die. Simple and effective, this weed killer gets the job done.
Of course, this approach does mean the weed killer is non-selective, so you’ll need to be careful when applying it. However, once applied, it works quickly. You should see the majority of the weeds cleared within a day or two.
Approved for organic gardening by USDA in the US, this is a very clean solution which is ideal if you have pets and children running around on your yard. There’s also very little smell from this solution, which is a massive plus.
How to Apply Non-Toxic Weed Killers?
If your preferred weed killer doesn’t come with an applicator spray, you’ll simply need to transfer the solution into a safe applicator of your choice. This could be a handheld spray wand or a professional weed killer spray.
If you’re using a spray wand that you’ve used before, make sure you clean it out first to remove any residue of chemical-based products you’ve used in the past.
How Often Can You Use an Organic Weed Killer?
Every manufacturer is different, depending on the solution used, so you’ll always need to make sure you’re reading the label. Since these solutions are non-toxic, you should be able to use them as many times as you need without any issue.
When Should You Apply?
You can choose to apply your weed killer in the following conditions for the best results:
- No rain forecast for at least six hours
- The ground still holds some moisture
- When the area you’re working with is dry
- No extreme conditions (intense sun or hard frosts)
- When the temperature is cool (late into a summer evening, for example)
- After mowing your grass, although don’t cut too short!
How Can You Stop Weeds from Growing Back?
If you have some more stubborn weeds that are coming back over and over again, and you keep needing to apply weed killer, try applying it as close to the ground as possible, on top of the root of the weed you’re trying to kill.
If this doesn’t work, as a last resort, you can try digging around the weed and then pulling it out, being careful not to leave any root in the ground, otherwise, you risk it growing back again. If you can’t dig it up, say when the weed is in the driveway, you’ll need to invest in a more powerful grade of weed killer than what you’re currently using.
Do I Need to Use Protection When Applying?
Yes. Although non-toxic weed killers are, well, as the name suggests non-toxic, solutions can still contain acidic products, like vinegar. While non-toxic to your health, these ingredients can still have an incredibly strong smell and can burn bare skin, so make sure you’re wearing gloves and face/eye protection while using any kind of weed killer.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry!