By michael vivar
Weeds have been the bane of farmers and casual gardeners alike. It's not just that some find weeds to be unattractive. They choke off the roots and leech nutrients from crops and beautifying flowering plants.
Recently, industrial weed killers such as Ortho Weed B-Gon and Roundup from Monsanto have come under fire for their deleterious environmental consequences and carcinogenic risks.
The most effective way to get rid of weeds is getting down on hands and knees then pulling them by the roots. For short-term maintenance, here are seven safer homemade weed killers.
Combine one gallon white vinegar and one cup dish soap then pour mixture into a spray bottle. Shake well. Use this on common garden weeds that are already sprouting. It's also a great bathroom tile cleaner.
Combine one gallon white vinegar and two cups salt. Stir until salt is dissolved. Transfer to a spray bottle. Spray on areas already cleared of weeds to prevent regrowth.
This simple method is for weeds growing in sidewalk and driveway cracks. Boil a pot of water. Pour boiling water directly on weeds taking care not to burn yourself. Consider using a kettle to prevent heat loss and for greater control.
You can buy this in bulk at a garden shop. It's also available in smaller batches at Mexican or Halal food stores. Spread the meal around desirable plants. Water the area. This prevents weed seeds from germinating.
Combine two cups Epsom salt, one quarter cup dish soap and one gallon water. Stir until salt dissolves. Transfer to spray bottle. The Epsom salt will dehydrate the leaves and stems of weeds.
Combine one gallon white vinegar, one ounce citrus oil and half ounce dish soap. Mix well then transfer to a spray bottle. The natural acidity of citrus oil should be effective on most weeds.
Combine one cup baking soda and one gallon water. Stir until baking soda dissolves. Apply directly to weeds. The baking soda changes the pH balance of the soil and should target weeds without affecting desirable plants.