If you have pets, using a pet-friendly weedkiller is vital to avoid potential harm.
Gardens and weeds go hand in hand, but if you own pets or have small children that will be in the garden, using chemical weedkiller is never recommended. Serious and fatal complications can occur if a pet or child ingests chemical weedkiller. Instead of letting the weeds overrun your garden in this situation, there are several homemade options that are safer. Does this Spark an idea?
Boiling Water
Perhaps the easiest weedkiller to make and by far the safest is boiling water. It can be poured directly onto weeds and typically will kill the growth within 24 hours. In addition, it typically is much easier to pull the weed up after boiling water has been applied. Care should be taken when using boiling water that it not have contact with desired plants.
Vinegar-Based Weedkiller
Vinegar-based weedkiller is a safe alternative to traditional weedkillers. Although it may cause excess salivation in pets if they ingest it, the odor alone usually is enough to keep them away. This has the added benefit of discouraging pets from being in the garden. The vinegar spray can be made by pouring 1 cup vinegar into a 32 oz. spray bottle of water. This mixture can then be applied directly to the weeds.
Soap-Based Weedkiller
Soap-based weedkillers typically are safe, depending on the type of soap used. The best variety to use around pets and children is a dish soap free of dyes or scents. Mix 1 tbsp. into a 32 oz. spray bottle of warm water and spray this mixture onto the weeds. This spray also can be used as a natural pest repellent in the garden. Reapply as necessary to eliminate weeds.
Citrus-Based Weedkillers
Citrus-based weedkillers can be made by mixing lemon juice with regular water and spraying the mixture on weeds. The more acidic the mixture, the faster the weeds die. Other citrus fruits can be used, such as grapefruit, but lemon typically is the easiest to make and has the best results. Pets will typically leave this mixture alone, but it will not harm them.
Tags: boiling water, chemical weedkiller, into spray, into spray bottle, onto weeds