When it comes to controlling weeds in your flower beds, you have several options. One option is using an organic weed killer that does not contain hazardous chemicals like glyphosate.
The second option is to make a natural weed killer with white vinegar and salt, which can easily be made at home using common household items. This simple yet effective solution requires minimal ingredients for success. The only downside is that vinegar is non-selective, meaning that it will kill grass and other perennial plants.
Organic Weed Killers
Organic weed killers are an efficient and healthy solution to getting rid of unwanted weeds and grassy weeds in your flower beds. However, there are a few things to take into account before using these sprays on your lawn or garden.
Organic weed killers work by attacking the foliage of the weeds and grass. A herbicide will destroy the leaf cuticle, making them turn brown and unusable for new growth. Glyphosate is one common herbicide; however, it's toxic to wildlife such as frogs and other aquatic life and highly soluble in water - leading to contamination of groundwater, soil, and air.
Is pre-emergent herbicide better than post-emergent?
Another option is using a pre emergents weed killer. These products prevent seeds from germinating by coating them with an aqueous solution of an active ingredient, usually plant-derived such as corn gluten meal or a mixture of fungicide and herbicide.
This weed killer can be applied to mulched flower beds (containing wood chips), around patios and swimming pools - or anywhere else that weeds tend to sprout the most. It also works well on lawns to prevent them from reseeding.
Ready to Use (RTU) Herbicide
You can purchase a ready-to-use spray that contains vinegar and salt. This product is more potent than household weed killer and should be applied using either a trigger sprayer or a pump-type garden sprayer.
You can make your own organic weed killer at home using a basic recipe: 1/4 cup of salt, a quart of vinegar (containing acetic acid), and two teaspoons of dish soap. You can add other ingredients for increased effectiveness like pickling vinegar diluted with essential oils or essential oils.
Depending on your climate, you may need more than one application of this weed killer to completely eliminate all weeds in your flower bed. This is especially true if the flowers are clustered or densely planted as they will spread rapidly. Ideally, spray the herbicide during warm days without rain forecasted. Uniform application is also very important, as this will allow the active ingredient to spread quickly.
Selective vs. Non-Selective
While selective herbicides are great for targeting specific broadleaf weeds, perennial grasses, annual grasses, and invasive weeds - they often contain harmful chemicals that target the root system of plants and should be only used as a last resort.
Non-selective herbicides kill weeds on contact, but may also harm ornamental plants, garden plants, and other plants - so caution should be exercised when spraying these around your flower gardens. Depending on the degree of weed infestation, a simple sprayer shield can be used to limit the contact of herbicide with surrounding plants.
Organic Grass Killer For Flower Beds
If you have a large lawn or flower bed that requires weed control, organic grass killer is an option worth considering. Unlike many commercial weed-killers, these products are glyphosate-free and safe to use around people, pets, and wildlife alike.
No matter the weed type you have, there are various organic grass killers to choose from. Concentrates, granular solutions and sprays can all be used; some require diluting before use while others come pre-diluted and ready for application.
Safe Brands to Consider
Eco Living Solutions Organic Weed Killer concentrates are the most convenient to use, as they can be diluted in water to the desired concentration before spraying on weeds, saving you time. When selecting the concentration for your solution, take into account both the size of the flower bed affected by weeds and their sensitivity to chemical treatments.
Another viable liquid concentrate for lawn and garden use is Safer Brand Fast Acting Weed and Grass Killer. This solution works by dehydrating weeds and damaging their cuticle, ultimately leading to the death of leaves and dead grass. Furthermore, it's non-corrosive - making it ideal for home gardens.
Make your own weed-killing solution using vinegar, salt, and essential oil. These all-natural ingredients work together to eliminate unwanted other plants without harming either the environment or your family members.
One major downside of essential oil-based weed killers is that they are poorly soluble in water, and will not dissolve. To overcome this, a dish soap solution may be prepared, to allow the essential oil to better dissolve and disperse in the water.
Opting for organic grass killer is a wise decision for your family, the environment and wallet. With so many options available, it can be daunting to decide which product is ideal for you. Luckily, we've compiled this list of the best organic weed killers to make it easier to find the ideal solution for your lawn and flower beds. With these products in place, you can guarantee a weed-free garden for years to come!
Natural Weed Killers & Grass Killer In Flower Beds
When flower beds become overrun with unwanted weeds, it can quickly detract from the beauty of the flowers and soil. Fortunately, there are plenty of natural weed killers that are effective at wiping out weeds without harming other plants or soil. Furthermore, these products are eco-friendly and non-toxic to pets, children, and the environment.
When it comes to flower beds, there are various weed killers you can use, such as powders, granules and sprays. Which type of weed killer you select depends on several factors like how many weeds there are, their growth pattern and what objectives you have in mind.
Powdered weed killers can be applied with a spreader or shaken from a bottle for larger areas. These are your best bet if you need to treat an extensive area in your garden. Powdered weed killers may also be used on flowerbeds; however, be aware that they may harm nearby flowers as well.
Another option is to make your own natural weed killer using ingredients found at any grocery store. For instance, using boiling water to kill the roots is a great way to kill weeds.; however, it may take some time before a full kill occurs.
Simply Hand Pulling Weeds from the Soil
A more traditional, and oftentimes overlooked method for weed control, is to simply pull the weeds from your flower bed. As long as the weeds are pulled with the roots, this is a great method to stop weeds, without harming your ornamental plant. This ensures that you apply as few chemical products as possible to your soil. Applying mulch overtop of the freshly weeded area will slow down the regrowth of seeds, making this an effective method for weed control.
Making this homemade weed killer requires stirring together salt and vinegar thoroughly before applying it to your flower bed. The salt helps the vinegar cling to the weeds, making it harder for them to wash away. This method works particularly well for dandelions and other broad-leaf weeds that are difficult to eliminate using other weed killers.
If you need a more precise solution, post-emergent weed killer may be your answer. These products are intended to eliminate existing weeds and can be applied during any season: spring, summer, or fall. Because these products tend to be strong and eliminate all types of weeds quickly, be sure to monitor your flower beds closely for any emerging weeds that do arise.
Natural Grass Killer
If your flower bed is overrun with grass and other weeds, it can be challenging to keep them at bay. The most effective way to do this is by avoiding toxic chemicals; instead, opt for a natural weed killer that's safe both for people and pets as well as the environment.
One solution is to use a pre-emergent spray that eliminates seeds in the soil before they sprout. This type of weed preventer works best for flower beds, patios, driveways and other areas where weeds may thrive.
Another option is a selective herbicide that kills only specific types of weeds. These products come as liquid concentrate or spray bottles and tend to be effective at wiping out grass around ornamental plants and shrubs in the garden.
You may also use a diluted vinegar solution to directly spray away weeds. This is an effective alternative to chemical herbicides, though it may require multiple applications.
A propane torch tool is another effective option to eliminate weeds without harming nearby plants or the environment. This method typically also destroys the roots of grass as well.
You could also pour boiling water over the weeds and grass to eliminate them, but be sure to handle the water with extreme caution as you could burn yourself if not done correctly.
Though less effective than chemical herbicides, these methods are safe and eco-friendly alternatives for keeping your flower bed weed-free. Plus, they reduce the exposure of your family members to harsh chemicals while saving you money in the long run.
If you have the time, pulling weeds by hand is the best option. This method works best for small patches of weeds that haven't grown too large and have weak root systems. To do this, wear work or gardening gloves and long pants.
If you don't have the time to weed your flower bed, hiring a professional lawn care company might be worth considering. They know where to look for weeds and the most efficient ways to eliminate them from your property. Plus, they'll do the job faster since they know exactly what needs to be done!
Final Thoughts and Consideration
The best weed killer will depend on your particular requirements. The grass-specific herbicide will demand a different kind of approach compared to conventional hand pulling of weeds. There are many effective methods for weed management around your flowers beds, with the end goal to have a weed free flower bed.
As we mentioned before Eco Garden Solutions manufactures a number of natural options (both concentrated and ready-to-use) to control and manage weeds around your house and garden. With a proven track record, you can rest assured that your flower beds, lawn, or backyard will be ready for summer, no matter which method you choose to employ.
Should you choose to try any of our products, we offer an unconditional money-back guarantee, as well as free shipping across the continental United States. With quick 2 days turn around times, our products will be delivered directly to your door, just in time for the summer.