Natural weed killers for your garden: BIG Warranties expert guide

5 min read
Published on
May 23, 2023
A close frame shot of a womans legs knelt down on a gravel path in the garden wearing gardening gloves using a snipping tool to trim back the weeds. Wearing white canvas shoes and ripped skinny jeans with a flannel shirt.
Want blogs directly in your inbox?
Subscribe to our newsletter.

Keep your garden free of weeds

Maintaining a beautiful garden is paramount for any homeowner during the summer months, but pesky weeds can quickly take over and spoil the appearance of your garden. At BIG Warranties, we understand the importance of a well-kept garden and offer expert pest control services. At BIG Warranties, we're here to share our knowledge on natural weed killers that can help you eliminate weeds without relying on harmful chemicals. Embrace an eco-friendly approach to weed control and keep your garden looking pristine with these effective natural remedies.

Vinegar solution

Vinegar is a powerful natural weed killer due to its high acidity. Mix distilled white vinegar with water in a ratio of 1:1 and add a few drops of liquid dish soap. Transfer the solution to a spray bottle and apply it directly to the weeds, ensuring thorough coverage of the leaves and stems. Be cautious not to spray on desirable plants, as vinegar can damage them as well.

Boiling water

One of the simplest and most cost-effective methods to kill weeds is by pouring boiling water directly onto them. Boiling water effectively destroys the cells of the weeds, causing them to wither and die. This method is particularly useful for weeds growing in cracks on paved surfaces or between sidewalk tiles.

Salt solution

Salt is another natural weed killer that can be used sparingly and carefully. Dissolve a handful of salt in a gallon of hot water and stir until it dissolves completely. Once cooled, pour the salt solution over the weeds, making sure to target the foliage and roots. However, exercise caution when using salt, as it can also affect the soil's fertility and harm nearby plants.

Newspaper and mulch

An organic mulch layer combined with newspaper can serve as a weed barrier. Lay down a thick layer of newspaper (around 10 sheets) over the soil, ensuring that there are no gaps or overlaps. Then cover the newspaper with a layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or straw. This method blocks sunlight, preventing weed growth while also improving soil moisture retention.

Homemade weed killer spray

Create a homemade weed killer spray by combining 1 litre of white vinegar, 1 cup of salt, and 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap. Mix the ingredients thoroughly and transfer the solution to a spray bottle. Spray directly onto the weeds, avoiding contact with desirable plants. The vinegar and salt work together to dehydrate and kill the weeds, while the dish soap helps the solution stick to the foliage.

Maintaining a weed-free garden doesn't have to involve harsh chemicals that can potentially kill your grass and pose a danger to pets. With these natural weed killers recommended by BIG Warranties, you can tackle weeds effectively while being mindful of the environment. Experiment with these methods and find the one that suits your needs and garden conditions best. However, remember to exercise caution to prevent harm to desirable plants and the overall ecosystem. Enjoy a thriving, weed-free garden the natural way!

Read more from us

Image shows a close up of a barbecue being cleaned in a garden

Common spring home issues & how to prevent them

Stay ahead of common spring home issues like damp, boiler troubles, and roof damage with our expert prevention tips. Protect your home with BIG Warranties now!
Georgie Wood
March 27, 2025
Image shows a couple spring cleaning their kitchen

How to tackle the big spring clean

Get ready to tackle your spring cleaning with confidence! Dive in to discover essential tips & common mistakes to avoid so that you can spring clean like a pro.
Georgie Wood
March 13, 2025
Image shows hands protecting a wooden house

Navigating home emergencies

Home emergencies can be costly and stressful. Learn how the right cover can protect your home, provide peace of mind, and help you avoid unexpected expenses.
Georgie Wood
February 26, 2025
Join our newsletter

For the latest BIG news and tips on how to keep your cost of living low.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
By subscribing you agree to our Communication Policy
We provide a great range of home appliance insurance policies and warranties for landlords and homeowners across the UK, covering ovens, fridges, washing machines, freezers, dishwashers and more. Plus affordable landlord and homeowner home emergency insurance covering boilers, plumbing and drainage and even more.
© {YEAR} BIG Warranties Ltd (Company No. 07002567) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under FRN No.798998. BIG Warranties Trading Address: Enterprise House, 21 Oxford Road, Bournemouth, BH8 8EY