Q&A for How to Kill Weeds With Vinegar

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What are other natural options for weed removal?

Ben Barkan
Professional Gardener
Ben Barkan is a Garden and Landscape Designer and the Owner and Founder of HomeHarvest LLC, an edible landscapes and construction business based in Boston, Massachusetts. Ben has over 12 years of experience working with organic gardening and specializes in designing and building beautiful landscapes with custom construction and creative plant integration. He is a Certified Permaculture Designer, Licensed Construction Supervisor in Massachusetts, and a Licensed Home Improvement Contractor. He holds an associates degree in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Ben Barkan

Professional Gardener

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How long does the vinegar last?

Lauren Kurtz
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Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.

Lauren Kurtz

Professional Gardener

Expert Answer

The vinegar will kill the weeds you spray, but more weeds will likely grow back in a few weeks. You can reapply your vinegar mixture whenever you need to.

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Can I spray shrubs for bugs with vinegar?

Community Answer

No. Vinegar will damage the plant, not the bugs. To combat bugs, mix a couple teaspoons of neem oil and dishwashing liquid in a gallon of water and spray that on the infested plant. It may take a few applications to completely rid the plant of the infestation, especially if the solution gets washed off by rain or sprinklers. It's non-toxic to humans, but doesn't taste good, so you can spray it on ripening vegetables, but make sure you wash them before eating them.

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Will this damage block paving?

Community Answer

No. For any noticeable damage to occur the solution would have to sit on the pavement for days.

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If I spray weeds with vinegar, could it harm my dog when he sniffs around?

Community Answer

It won't do any permanent damage, but it may sting his eyes a bit. You'll notice the dog sneezing or rubbing his nose if he finds it irritating.

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What is the least expensive way to kill weeds on a forty square foot property?

Community Answer

Pulling up weeds with your hands is the least expensive way to pull up weeds because it does not cost anything but your time. Vinegar is also an inexpensive option.

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Do I need to use pure vinegar, or should I mix it with water?

Community Answer

For best results, don't dilute it with water, just mix it with a bit of dish soap.

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If I spray vinegar (20%) on my Bermuda lawn, will it kill my grass?

Community Answer

Yes - it will begin killing whatever you spray it on. The vinegar will dehydrate your grass the same as the weeds.

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How long should I wait to reseed if I kill weeds with vinegar?

Community Answer

Wait at least five days. Wait two weeks to really play it safe.

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Will vinegar kill Bermuda and St. Augustine grass?

Community Answer

Not effectively, especially if you just use the grocery store vinegar. Add a quart of lemon juice (the cheapest you can find) to a gallon of cheap vinegar to increase the acidity (which is what's killing the plant) or buy super strength vinegar online, and apply when there's plenty of heat and sun in the forecast.

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What should I do if it rains the day after I spray?

Community Answer

You can reapply the spray if you feel like it's necessary or just wait a few weeks and try the treatment again.

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Will the vinegar harm my grass?

Community Answer

No.

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Question

How long will the salt last if I add it to the vinegar to clean the lot? How soon can I plant again?

Community Answer

Do not add salt to this mixture if you plan to plant in this same area later. Salt stays in the soil for a long time and will negatively affect plant growth.

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Will vinegar kill my non weed plants?

Community Answer

Yes, any plant hit with vinegar can be damaged or killed. Take care to use it only on the weeds you want killed.

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Can I use regular brown malt vinegar for this?

Community Answer

You can, but it's not as effective as white vinegar. You may have to apply it twice.

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Does the the vinegar and salt solution work better the warmer it is?

Community Answer

Yes, as stated above, vinegar dries the plants out so warmer weather will help by making them so dry that they will die.

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