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We Tried Vinegar-Based Weed Killer So You Didn't Have To. Here's How It Went
By RON BAKER
Glyphosate, found in Roundup, had benefits like reducing the need for mechanical weed control but posed health and environmental concerns. Vinegar offers a safer alternative.
We did tests with various vinegar concentrations (5%, 20%, and 30%) and a common DIY mix of 20% vinegar, salt, and dish soap, aiming to find the most effective and safe solution.
Using sod blocks with grass and broadleaf weeds, we applied our vinegar mixes and observed the effects over two days. While 30% vinegar was more potent, it is potentially riskier.
A 20% solution was found to be effective in killing weeds without the risks the 30% solution has. However, we tested on mature grass, while a similar USDA research used younger weeds.
Ideally, we recommend using a 10% to 20% vinegar solution for weed control. Safety precautions, such as protective gear, are essential when using these vinegar-based herbicides.
It is important to note that while vinegar can be a viable option for killing weeds, it’s best used as a small part of a multifaceted plan to avoid unintended harm to your plants.