Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Works for Me Wednesday--Killing Weeds Around my Dog


Rocks in My Dryer hosts "Works for Me Wednesdays" where everyone shares helpful tips that make life easier.

Last year, our brick patio was invaded by hundreds of weeds. The hubby and I don't like to use weed killer, so last year, we boiled water and annihilated the weeds with that method. It was a pain in the butt to boil the water and walk outside holding a pot with heavy-duty oven mitts. I'm sure the neighbors were amused at the sight.

This year, I was doing some research online and discovered that vinegar is a natural weedkiller. Why isn't this simple remedy proclaimed all over? I took a three dollar jug of white vinegar and poured it on the patio. A few hours later, the weeds were no longer a bright green.

The best part of all, I didn't have to worry about the dog licking at the weed killer!

Here's another mom who found this tip helpful:
It Works!

17 comments:

Marti said...

What a great tip!

Here's one: If you have trouble with snails in your garden, crumble eggshells (medium sized pieces, not tiny) around the base of your plants (like tomatoes). It adds calcium to the soil when it rains, and if a snail tries to crawl over it, the sharp edges of the shell will poke the snail and either dissuade or kill them.

Looks pretty too!

Karen Putz said...

I like that idea! I think I have slugs eating away at my hostas, so I'm going to try that trick around those plants.

Barb said...

Thanks for visiting my site Karen. I love vinegar. My kids think I'm loony - kind of like the dad in My Big Fat Greek wedding and his Windex!

Karen Putz said...

I bet your kids give you vinegar jugs as presents! :)

Anonymous said...

I'm going to have to try that. thanks!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the tip

Diane Viere said...

What a great tip! Sadly, I have just come in from doing some weeding myself! I will try this tip in another week or so when they sprout up again!

Diane

Anonymous said...

I should try your method to see if it works.

Thanks for the wonderful tip.

Anonymous said...

Vinegar is amazing! So many uses! Thanks for visiting my blog today - I'm very interested in reading yours. I started ASL classes several years ago and I'd like to continue one day.

Belle said...

What I would like to know is does vinegar affect the grass around weeds? I'll go look it up later today.

Karen Putz said...

Yes, it kills grass too so you can't use it in the yard.

Skye @ Planet Jinxatron said...

Karen, I think you just solved my back porch weed problem. I'd been wondering what to do since I don't want to use poison. Thanks for the tip!

One Wacky Mom said...

Karen, I'm a little slow in the uptake sometimes. Not sure if I do things I thought I did. Can't remember stuff, because let's face it ...I'm old.

I think I stopped by and let you know that I gave you an award. If I didn't sorry. It's a memory thing. Can you do me a favor and just let me know if you want to accept it or not. If not, I'll pass it on to someone else. Here's the link:
http://wackymom.blogspot.com/2007/07/bloggers-for-positive-global-change.html

kkurt said...

Cool idea about vinegar! But the real culprit is the weeds ROOTS. Have to get that out, because alot of weed killer (or vinegar) will only kill the surface. So next time your sure u killed one, get the hose and DRENCH that weed and pull it out carefully to get the roots. Pain to do.. but results are great!!

k

Melissa Glenney said...

Vinegar? I never thought of it. I'll have to try it on my weeds. Hmm... I wonder if it'll work on poison ivy and oak... This way, I know I won't be "poisoning" my three dogs either.

Karen Putz said...

Can't hurt to try it!

Ginny said...

I have to give this a try, I have seen several sites mention it. I have tried boiling water this year, but it has been taking too long. Partly because I have been only using the leftover boiled water from making tea because I didn't want to waste water, LOL> I have to try the way. Thanks for the WFMW!