Lemon Juice and Vinegar as Natural Weed Killers

Acetic Acid

• Vinegar contains acetic acid, a compound that damages plant cells on contact. The concentration of acetic acid varies depending on the level of distillation the vinegar undergoes during processing. Common household vinegar, like apple cider and white vinegar, are 5 percent acetic acid, killing some weeds. Higher levels of acetic acid in vinegar increase the effectiveness against weeds. For use as a herbicide, vinegar products with 15 to 20 percent acetic acid kill many common weeds. Lemon juice is also acidic, contributing to degradation of week cell structures.

Use

• Using natural lemon and vinegar weed killers keeps the garden chemical free, but it does require more work than fast-acting chemical brands. Get weeds early for effective control. Spray weeds with lemon juice and vinegar as soon as they produce the first two to four leaves. While vinegar can be effective on older weed plants, it is most effective on young plants. Repeat the application every two weeks until the weeds are gone. Vinegar and lemon juice kill the foliage but often take longer to kill the roots.

Making Natural Weed Killers

• Fill a spray bottle with 1 qt. of white or apple cider vinegar and add 4 ozs. of concentrated lemon juice. Shake the bottle to mix the two ingredients together. Spray the solution on weeds, but be careful not to hit the plants you want to keep. Vinegar and lemon juice are considered non-discriminant weed killers. Apply the mixture during the day, when the sun is out. The acids in vinegar and lemon juice are neutralized by water and are not effective during rainy weather.

Prevention and Weed Control

• Prevent weeds from growing with a layer of mulch. A 4- to 6-inch layer of wood chips, straw, newspaper, leaf mold, sawdust or other mulch material suppresses weeds by smothering the seeds before they can germinate. Black plastic, gravel and rubber mulches also suppress weeds. Consistent hand weeding and hoeing help stop weeds before they get established. Use vinegar and lemon juice as an herbicide and as part of a healthy, organic approach to weed control.