How to kill weeds naturally

by Judy Gibbons 05/25/2022

A common concern for organic gardeners is finding ways to kill weeds naturally. If you’re trying to avoid synthetic weed killers and keep your garden as healthy as possible, there are many natural alternatives.

From common household items to clever gardening practices, this guide can help you find the best way to manage the weeds without hurting your garden environment.

Corn gluten meal

If you’ve spent time removing weeds and want to make sure they don’t come back, try sprinkling corn gluten meal on exposed areas of the garden. This will prevent the weed seeds from germinating and becoming pesky plants.

Vinegar

Apply regular household vinegar directly to unwanted weeds to kill them off. Use a spray bottle, pump sprayer or even a paint brush to add the vinegar carefully, as it can harm more than just the weeds. Try applying vinegar on a dry day, so there’s no chance of water washing it away.

Newspaper

Have old newspapers to spare? You can use them to smother the weeds and prevent new ones from popping up. Create a thick layer of newspaper to block the sun and prevent photosynthesis. This method works best if you remove existing weeds first and lay the newspaper directly onto damp soil.

Mulch

Mulch is not only an excellent natural weed killer, but one of the best ways to keep your garden healthy in general. Cover the soil with a few inches of mulch - made of organic matter like leaves, wood chips and grass clippings - to help retain moisture and prevent new weed growth.

Ground cover plants

For a low maintenance and long-term weed control, leave no space in your garden uncovered. Ground cover plants like creeping thyme, clover and bugleweed spread out over the surface of the ground to form a natural shield against weeds. As a bonus, you’ll enjoy the lush aesthetic and protection against soil erosion.

These are only a few ways to kill weeds naturally, but some of the simplest. Keep these household items and garden strategies in mind when maintaining your green spaces to keep them free of pesky weeds.

About the Author
Author

Judy Gibbons

Judy Gibbons is a highly accomplished Realtor licensed in Illinois, Michigan, and Florida. With an impressive list of accolades and a wealth of experience, she has become a prominent figure in the Chicagoland real estate industry.

As a global real estate advisor, Judy is known for her ability to seamlessly connect extraordinary homes with extraordinary lives. She possesses an extensive knowledge of the market, and is committed to providing world-class service to her clients. Gibbons can assist you whether it is  with luxury real estate transactions, investment properties, short term rentals, or helping first time buyer clients with tall heir real estate needs.

With over 20+ years of experience, give Judy a call today and discover the difference of working with a real estate advisor who is dedicated to helping you achieve your real estate dreams, wherever they may lead you.

Designations/Licenses: Certified Distressed Property Expert, Broker, GREEN 

Town Coverage: Chicago, Illinois, Arlington Heights, Illinois, Barrington, Illinois, North Barrington, Illinois