Homemade Remedies for Lawns

Weed Killer

• If you are having problems with weeds on your lawn, you can make a homemade weed killer with items that you may already have in your kitchen. Start with white vinegar, a naturally acidic substance. The acetic acid in vinegar helps draw moisture from the weeds, killing them. It works extremely quickly if used undiluted, which means sensitive weeds may be killed in only a few hours. Hardier weeds may require a full day. You can use vinegar in conjunction with other household items for a slower acting formula. A basic recipe calls for 4 cups of vinegar, a 1/4 cup salt and 2 tsp. of dish soap. Mix well and place in a spray bottle for easy application. However, be extremely careful where you spray the weed killer. Acetic acid is not selective, so it will kill any vegetation that it touches. If you aren't careful, you'll wind up with brown patches on your lawn.

Growth Tonic

• When your lawn is looking a little dry and yellow, you don't have to venture to the garden supply store for expensive treatments. With a simple trip to the kitchen, you can whip up a tonic that helps restore a lush, green look by stimulating growth and killing insects that might damage the lawn. Mix a can of regular soda, a can of regular beer, a half-cup of ammonia, a half-cup of liquid dish soap and a half-cup of mouthwash. Do not use antibacterial soap because it may kill microbes in the soil that are beneficial to your lawn. Mix the ingredients together and place in a hose-end sprayer for application. During hot weather, apply the tonic every few weeks.

Compost

• Compost is a homemade treatment that allows you to recycle waste materials for the benefit of your lawn. The organic material in compost provides nutrients and minerals that help your lawn grow without any chemicals. In addition to waste materials, a compost pile requires wood chips to help with the breakdown of the organic materials. Items that you may use in your compost pile include yard clippings, animal manure, fruits and vegetables, cotton rags, coffee grounds, fireplace ashes, eggshells, newspaper, sawdust, cardboard rolls and leaves. Create your pile in a dry, shaded area. As you add materials, dampen them with water. Turn the pile every week to help distribute moisture and air. The compost usually takes from one to four months to break down sufficiently, though you should allow the mixture to sit for two weeks before applying it to your lawn.

Spicy Pesticide

• If bugs are feasting on your lawn, make your own natural pesticide in your kitchen. Chop up 3 hot peppers, 3 large onions and 1 garlic bulb, and add to a gallon of water. Allow the mixture to sit overnight. In the morning, strain the vegetables and spices, and add fresh water to top off the gallon. Place some of the solution in a spray bottle and apply to the surface and underside of grass in any areas where you have had insect problems.