Organic Herbicides (Weed Killer)

Many homeowners want “organic” choices when it comes to selecting weed killers. Fortunately, there are several choices for both selective and non-selective weed control.

Vinegar has been touted as a herbicide but the kitchen version is too weak to do much damage. Industrial acetic acid will kill weeds but I consider it too dangerous to recommend.

see Acetic Acid for Weed Control

There are other products from which to choose:

Non-selective (kills anything it touches);

herbicidal soap (click for sources), including NATRIA Grass and Weed Killer  

ammonium nonanoate     BioSafe (click for sources)

citrus oil    Avenger (click for sources)

clove oil    Burnout II Weed & Grass Killer (click for sources)

       citric acid and clove oil   Bonide BurnOut (click for sources)

Selective (kills broadleafed weeds but not grass)

chelated iron (FeHEDTA)     Ortho Elementals Lawn Weed Killer (click for sources) Fiesta (click for sources) Iron X (click for sources)

Effectiveness of chelated iron herbicides

weed sprayed with herbicidal soap

24 hours after spraying with herbicidal soap

48 hours after spraying with herbicidal soap