Hi, does anyone have a recipe for an effective organic weedkiller?

[lark]

We moved into another house in the neighborhood that has lots of paths and plant features. The previous owner gave us a recipe he used that was good, but we have lost it and hubs couldn't recreate it from memory. The version he did didn't work!

I'm having huge back and leg problems and used to be able to handle quite a bit of weeding, but when I tried it recently, I had huge problems develop in my lower back. Doc says no more bending over weeding.

Hoping someone has a good answer. Weeds in NE FL are so invasive and pervasive.

Thanks!!

[no_hypocrisy]

1. Try this:

https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/gardens/planting-and-maintenance/make-your-own-natural-weed-killer

Natural Weed Killer Recipe

1 gallon white vinegar
1 cup salt
1 tablespoon liquid dish soap

Combine ingredients in a spray bottle and treat weeds at the sunniest time of day for best results. When looking for a natural alternative to herbicides, a cocktail of vinegar, salt and liquid dish soap has all of the ingredients needed to quickly kill weeds.

[lark]

7. Thank you! This is what a was looking for.

I will definitely give this a try!!

[jmbar2]

2. Rock salt works well, but is indiscriminate

[evemac]

3. You can buy a very concentrated vinegar

from places like Lowes, but since it is super concentrated, you can't use it for weeds growing among other plants that you don't also want to kill. It works well for weeds growing through rocks, concrete, etc. Sounds like it might work well for your issue - just get a spray bottle!
I have a friend who has used nematodes for controlling clover in her lawn, and it worked like a dream.
On edit: your yard will smell like pickles for a while!

[lark]

6. Sounds like that would take care of my path problems.

Thanks!

[zeusdogmom]

10. Careful with the horticultural vinegar on concrete/cement.

High acid content of vinegar can etch, discolor, and even eat away the concrete.

Regular vinegar not as destructive but it is still an acid

I use the horticultural vinegar on weeds in mulch. Works great ‘cause I don’t want anything growing in some of the mulch areas. But it is indiscriminate - equal opportunity destroyer of anything green.

[Wonder Why]

4. A weed digger and a lot of effort.

[lark]

5. I got a handheld multi tool that has a small hoe and rake and I'm going to try that.

I don't think it will be back friendly, but it's worth a small try. I'm hiring my son to pull weeds starting Sat. I can hardly walk after a big weeding session then heavy back/leg work from PT. Usually PT always helps, it was such a surprise to be hurt by it. I could hardly even stand after the sessions. Doc confirmed this was very bad for lower back so she's sending me to a new PT. Hope they help this time! It really gripes me to not be able to just do it like I usually do, but getting old is a bitch, especially with my bad back and legs.

[Wonder Why]

8. I understand. I found out that now that I have time to do what I want (78 this month), I can't because it all hurts.

[mahina]

9. Cardboard

It’s not the prettiest to look at, but at least it doesn’t poison your soil and it works.

[Kali]

11. most weed killers are organic

oh you mean "organic" - organic in chemistry basically means carbon-based chemicals. please know that "organic" doesn't = safe or effective. all things matter in terms of timing, dosage, method of application. many home remedies/"organic"/"natural" compounds are dangerous and most are ineffective or require large dosages and (many) repeat applications.

for best info contact local garden associations, arboretums, extension agents.

[lark]

12. I hadn't thought about that. Thanks for the suggestion!