Transform Your Garden: The Ultimate Vinegar-Based Weed Killer Recipe

This natural weed killer combines vinegar’s potency with simple household ingredients for effective, chemical-free weed control. Here’s how to make and use it:

## Recipe & Application

– 1 cup white vinegar (5% acidity)
– 1 tbsp dish soap
– 1 tbsp baking soda
– 1 tsp ground black pepper

1. Mix vinegar and baking soda in a spray bottle – expect fizzing
2. Add dish soap and black pepper
3. Shake gently to combine

– Apply at midday sun when temperatures exceed 85°F
– Spray directly on leaves until soaked
– Avoid soil contact to protect beneficial microbes

## How It Works
The acetic acid in vinegar burns weed foliage within hours, while dish soap breaks down the plant’s protective wax layer for deeper penetration. Baking soda may help dry out plant tissues, though its standalone effectiveness is questionable. Black pepper acts as a natural pest deterrent.

## Safety Notes
– Kills all plants contacted – use precise targeting
– Reapply every 3 days for deep-rooted weeds
– Avoid using near desirable plants
– Works best on young annual weeds versus established perennials

While commercial herbicides offer longer-lasting control, this vinegar-based solution provides immediate results for small infestations without synthetic chemicals. For severe weed problems, manual removal combined with mulch barriers often works best long-term.