Q&A for How to Kill Weeds With Vinegar

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  • Question
    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.
    Professional Gardener
    Expert Answer
  • Question
    How long does the vinegar last?
    Lauren Kurtz
    Professional Gardener
    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.
    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.
  • Question
    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.
  • Question
    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.
  • Question
    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.
  • Question
    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.
  • Question
    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.
  • Question
    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.
  • Question
    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.
  • Question
    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.
  • Question
    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.
  • Question
    Will the vinegar harm my grass?
    Community Answer
    No.
  • 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.
  • Question
    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.
  • Question
    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.
  • Question
    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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