The 5 Best Organic Weed Killers You Need to Know About

The 5 Best Organic Weed Killers You Need to Know AboutThe tale of mankind largely centers around getting things to grow where you want and keeping the rest out. According to Brittanica, when we talk about weeds, we’re using a "general term for any plant growing where it is not wanted."

So, if you don't want it there, it's a weed. And you want it gone. Some chemical herbicides are effective, but many would like to know of more natural alternatives. While very few products are completely safe for pets or children, there are organic products worth checking out.

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We decided to look into some of the best organic weed killers in 2024. We'll also discuss exactly how they work and how to use them.
Key Takeaways:

What are organic weed killers?

Organic weed killers are made from natural ingredients designed to harm undesirable plants without the chemicals found in traditional herbicides that can threaten the environment, pets, and loved ones.

They're made without synthetic chemicals and are considered safer. They are biodegradable, too. This fact reduces the risk of soil and water contamination. Another pro of organic weed killers is that they are more suitable for vegetable gardens, flower beds, and lawns.

Although chemical herbicides are much more efficient, their use is associated with health problems and environmental damage.

How Organic Weed Killers Work

The effectiveness of organic weed killers lies in their active ingredients. 
Common ingredients include:

Acetic Acid (Vinegar): Used at higher concentrations than household vinegar, it desiccates and kills.

Citric Acid: This works like vinegar by breaking down the weeds' cuticles — drying them out.

Essential Oils: These oils destroy plants' cell membranes, eventually killing them.

Organic weed killers work by contact: they kill the plant by destroying its outer cells, leading to dehydration and, ultimately, death. Systemic herbicides absorb and move throughout the plant, but organic weed killers act on the area they touch.

This is one of the main reasons organic weed killers have a much lower environmental footprint. They break down quickly and leave no toxicity in the soil or water, making them more suitable for use near water sources. 

How to Choose the Best Organic Weed Killers

Make sure to read the label of the organic weed killer to see what kinds of weeds it works on. For example, some weed killers work well on broadleaf weeds but not grassy weeds.

Any product is only safe if handled according to the manufacturer's guidelines.

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Look for products that are easy to apply. Ready-to-use sprays are the easiest, but concentrates may require mixing. However, they can be more versatile and provide better coverage.

While organic weed killers can be more expensive than their chemical counterparts, they also usually offer real benefits that make them worth the cost.

Top Organic Weed Killers in 2024

 Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer 

Green Gobbler is one of the best organic weed killers in 2024. This product is a great option if you need an organic weed killer that works fast. It contains 20 percent acetic acid, four times stronger than household vinegar. It is also non-selective, meaning it will kill any plant you spray it on (including your garden plants). So be careful when spraying it. It works well on dandelions, crabgrass, and other tough weeds.

 Dr. Earth Final Stop Weed & Grass Herbicide 

Dr Earth's Final Stop is a ready-to-use spray with essential oils such as clove, cinnamon, and other natural ingredients. This product is certified by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI). They are a nonprofit, public service organization that reviews products for use in certified organic production and processing, and they've verified that they truly contain organic materials.

Dr. Earth's Final Stop Weed & Grass Herbicide contains no glyphosate and is non-selective.

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 Eco Garden Pro Organic Weed Killer 

Eco Garden Pro is an ideal solution with a natural formula of vinegar, salt, and essential oils to make it fast-acting and rainproof in just a few hours. It works on weeds and mosses in vegetable gardens and is not toxic to nearby plants.

Its formula includes some of the following ingredients, which Eco Garden claims begin working within 24 hours:

• Natural white vinegar

• Organic rock salt

• Biodegradable plant activators

 BioSafe Weed Control 

BioSafe Weed Control kills weeds with an organic herbicide that acts on contact. This weed killer is an OMRI-listed herbicidal soap that claims to kill weeds and grasses within two hours.

One of the best things about products like BioSafe Weed Control is that they will not seep into the soil and harm future growth.

 Preen Natural Vegetable Garden Weed Preventer 

Preen is a preventative organic weed killer. Made from 100 percent corn gluten meal, it is a pre-emergent herbicide. As a pre-emergent, it won't kill weeds that are already growing. But it is a great addition to a long-term weed management plan.

This product claims children and pets can play in the area immediately after application. It is safe to use around established plants such as fruit and vegetables.

DIY Organic Weed Killers

 Vinegar-Based Solutions 

Vinegar-based weed killer is best deployed undiluted with a drop of dish soap to make it sticky on the leaves. Spray it onto young, annual weeds during the hottest part of the day.

 Salt and Water Mixtures 

Salt. It preserves food. It kills weeds. Mixing it up with water and applying it directly to the weeds is the best way to use it. You'll want to use this method in areas where you don't plan to grow anything else because it will make the land unusable for growing anything.

 Boiling Water Techniques 

Boiling water is one of the most effective ways to kill weeds, especially in inaccessible places where weeds grow, like pavement cracks. Pouring boiling water directly on the weeds will kill them almost instantly.

According to the Iowa State University Extension Center, "boiling water will act as a contact "herbicide," killing only the portion of the plant it comes in contact with.  It is most effective on young, newly emerged weeds.

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Corn Gluten Meal as a Weed Preventer

Corn gluten meal is a natural byproduct of corn processing, and as an herbicide, it is a pre-emergent: it inhibits the germination of weed seeds, so it is a great approach to lawn care. It will not kill existing weeds and must be applied before weed seeds sprout.

How to Apply Organic Weed Killers Effectively

Timing is important. For annual weeds, apply early in the growing season. For perennial weeds, apply several times during the season to kill them completely.

Weather is another key to organic weed killers: most work better when dry and sunny. Don't apply before rain. Otherwise, the product will be washed away before it can work.

For smaller infestations, spot treatment will provide the most control. For larger areas, use a garden sprayer to treat the whole area. Be cautious of plants you don't want to kill, as many organic weed killers are non-selective.

Organic Weed Killers for Vegetable Gardens

Safety is also key in vegetable gardens, making products like Eco Garden Pro ideal, because there's no harmful residue left on the crops you want to grow. Make sure that any product, whether Eco Garden Pro or another, is labeled as safe to use in areas where food is grown.

You might need different approaches to different parts of your yard – an arsenal of weeding tools could be necessary for a flower bed. At the same time, a driveway might require something more aggressive, like salt or boiling water.

Common Misconceptions About Organic Weed Killers

Organic Weed Killers Are Less Effective

One widespread misconception is that organic weed killers are less effective than chemical ones. They're quite slow — it might take a few applications or several weeks to kill the weed – but applied correctly, they can work, and it's not hard to stay on top of the few that will reappear.

Organic Weed Killers Are Always Safe for All Plants

Organic does not necessarily mean safe. Some organic weed killers are non-selective, meaning that they will kill non-weed plants if applied carelessly. Always use any weed killer carefully and according to the product's label. Its claims may be false unless a product has undergone rigorous OMRI testing.

Organic Means Non-Toxic

Organic weed killers are definitely a safer option, but they are not non-toxic; vinegar and essential oils, for example, can still burn or otherwise damage your skin or eyes if you don't use them properly, and you should handle them carefully, just as you would any other garden product.

Safety Tips for Using Organic Weed Killers

Wear gloves and protective eyewear when applying organic weed killers, especially those containing vinegar and essential oils. Avoid breathing in fumes, and use only in well-ventilated areas. Store organic weed killers in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children and pets. Use tight-fitting lids to prevent spills or contamination.

If you accidentally come into direct contact with an organic weed killer, rinse the contact area thoroughly with water. If ingested, drink large amounts of water or milk. For spills or leaks, clean up immediately and dispose of the waste down the drain according to local regulations.

Using Organic Weed Killers in a Broader Lawn Care Strategy

Organic weed control works best when added to an overall lawn management strategy: regular mowing, aerating, and overseeding can all contribute to a dense, healthy stand of lawn grass that is naturally resistant to weeds.

Weed growth can be suppressed by mulching around plants, which blocks sunlight and makes the soil less hospitable for weeds. Aeration also helps by improving soil health, making it harder for weeds to get a foothold. Organic weed killers form the final line of defense.

Quick Summary

Organic weed killers are a safer alternative to chemical products. Even though they may not work as quickly as synthetic herbicides, organic weed killers can still do the job well while being safer.

We took a look at the top organic weed killers in 2024 and found that the following products do the job well:

• Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer

• Dr. Earth Final Stop Weed & Grass Herbicide

• Eco Garden Pro Organic Weed Killer

• BioSafe Weed Control

• Preen Natural Vegetable Garden Weed Preventer

There are also several DIY options available. Vinegar-based mixtures, boiling water, corn gluten meal, and salt mixtures keep weeds in check.