Friendly weed killer
Jeannine from Winnipeg, MB writes:
The gnome Suzuki has inspired us to keep our yard as green as possible. However, we have a problem that everyone tells us can only be resolved with Roundup (a chemical weed killer), which is an option we’d rather not consider.
Off the back lane to our property is an area that must have been used at one time as a parking spot, but it hasn’t been put to use since we bought the property. It is covered in crushed limestone and overgrown with weeds: dandelions, quack-grass, common burdock, plantain, and many others we can’t identify.
We’ve tried handpulling, but there are just too many, and because of the limestone, it’s impossible to dig out the dandelion and common burdock roots. Is it crazy to consider getting a machine in to remove the limestone and the roots? Or are there better options for us?
David Suzuki’s Nature Challenge asked Lisa Atkins, President of SOUL (The Society for Organic Urban Land care) to answer this one:
Horticultural vinegar works just as well as Roundup and isn’t toxic to anything but plants. Vinegar is systemic just like Roundup (apply to the leaves, and the plant intakes the liquid into its system), so it needs to be applied to exposed leaves. Also like Roundup, vinegar works best on annual weeds and needs repeated applications for perennial weeds.
Horticultural vinegar is now available to the public. Ironically, until recently, one had to have a license to apply hort vinegar, whereas any homeowner could purchase much more lethal pesticides at the local garden store.
Tags: burdock roots, dandelion, garden, gnome, horticultural, limestone, pesticides, vinegar, weed killer
September 19th, 2008 at 2:39 am
Actually horticultural vinegar is very hazardous to use - hence the reason why you had to have a license to use. Homeowners like myself, rarely read ALL the directions and this can be very dangerous when using the new horticultural vinegar or “food grade vinegars” on the market. Here is some of what is written on the MSDS sheet:
An example is a copy of the MSDS sheet warnings ond “food grade” 20% Acetic Acid:
This product contains hazardous materials as defined by the OSHA hazard communication. Vapors irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. Avoid inhalation. Liquid may cause eye burns and permanent damage to cornea, possibly leading to blindness. Causes skin irritation. EYE: Extremely irritating to the eyes. If not removed promptly, will injure eye tissue, which may result in permanent damage, including blindness SKIN: Contact causes skin irritation and possible burns INHALATION: Irritating to the nose, throat and respiratory tract. Avoid breathing of vapors or mists INGESTION: Can irritate or burn mouth, throat and stomach if swallowed.
So be careful when using - it’s not the same stuff you’re using on your salad.
My recommendation - Nature’s Avenger Organic Weed Killer. The patented formula is made with d-limonene - or citrus oil. It’s EPA registered, OMRI Listed and approved for use in organic production and organic gardening by the USDA National Organic Program. Tests against glyphosate and other “natural” products on the market proved Nature’s Avenger to be just as effective as glyphosate, more effective than the other natural products and extremely fast acting. And it’s environmentally friendly and safe to use around pets, wild life and the earth’s water supply. Check it out.
September 30th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
I had read this post a few days ago and tried just regular vinegar on one weed just to check and see if regular vinegar would work. I just sprayed the leaves and a little towards the stalk where it meets the ground. About 3 days later the weed was dead. I plan on trying this out next summer in an area in the back of the house and see what happens. Thanks for the information. I may research this a littlemore and post an article on it. Thanks again.
October 28th, 2008 at 11:11 pm
I’ve consulted my gardening bible, Rodale’s Chemical-Free Yard & Garden, and it states that you shouldn’t use vinegar as an herbicide on land where you want anything to grow. Vinegar acidifies the soil, making it impossible for other plants to grow.