Ecowiser

10 Organic Weed Killers That Are Effective In 2024

Organic weed killers

Weeds in your garden are bad news. So is their treatment plan. Industrial pesticides wreak havoc on our environment and our natural food chain. 

In response to the growing demand for sustainable gardening practices, organic weed killers have emerged as a powerful alternative to traditional and highly toxic pesticides. These natural weed suppression solutions, known as organic herbicides, offer a non-toxic weed management approach that is both pet-friendly and environmentally safe. 

If you’re someone who prioritizes both efficacy and ecological responsibility, we’ve made a list of the best organic weed killer for lawns for you, along with an organic weed killer recipe that you can make at home immediately. 

DIY homemade organic weed killers

What are Lawn Weeds?

Weeds are the unwanted scourge that grows around your produce, as a natural consequence of maintaining a fertilized and well-cared-for field. These opportunistic plants thrive in cultivated environments, where they compete with crops or ornamental plants for essential resources such as light, water, nutrients, and space. 

When not cared for, lawn weeds can pose significant challenges for agricultural productivity and ecological balance of a field. The detrimental impacts of excessive weed growth include:

  • Competing with crop plants, leading to reduced yields.
  • Increasing water requirements of the field.
  • Rapid absorption of nutrients when fertilizers are applied, primarily benefiting the weeds.
  • Providing a haven for insects and diseases that negatively affect crops.
  • Creating dense areas that attract pests such as mice and rats, posing additional disease risks.

For many years, farmers have used twice as much herbicides and other toxic products to deal with intensified weed growth. But the over dependence on herbicides isn’t great for the environment. It can mess up the soil, get into rivers and lakes, and even make some weeds tougher to kill over time.

The solution? Organic weed killers that are both safe for the environment, and effective in eliminating the unforturnate qeed sprawl on your lawn.

What Is An Organic Weed Killer?

An organic weed killer is made of natural substances instead of synthetic chemicals. These organic options often come from plants, minerals, or other natural sources, and they aim to be less harmful to the environment, people, pets, and beneficial insects. Common ingredients in organic weed killers might include vinegar (acetic acid), corn gluten meal, citrus oil, or essential oils known for their herbicidal properties.

The two kinds of organic weed killers, selective and non-selective, are designed for broader and specific use respectively.

Non-selective, or total, weed killers are robust solutions typically employed in areas where complete vegetation removal is necessary, such as industrial sites or neglected plots. They indiscriminately eliminate all plants they contact, so it’s imperative to use these powerful agents with caution to avoid harming your cherished flora.

On the other hand, selective organic herbicides are the precision tools in your garden shed. They are engineered to target specific weed species, safeguarding your desirable plants and ensuring natural weed suppression with minimal collateral damage.

Best 10 Organic Weed Killers

We selected top performing organic weed killers after testing them on multiple parameters. These products are effective against the targeted weeds, safe for the environment, non-toxic to humans and animals, and have minimal impact on soil health. 

Additionally, they are also certified by reputable organizations, and have a considerable ease of application and cost-effectiveness. 

1. Green Gobbler 20% Vinegar Weed Killer
Green Gobbler 20% VINEGAR WEED & GRASS KILLER - 1 GALLON

Price:
$27.99 for 1 Gallon

Type:
Non-Selective

Active Ingredients:
Corn derivative, 20 percent vinegar 

Application Instructions:
Add vinegar to a pump sprayer. Start spraying unwanted weeds or grass to the point of wetness in full sunshine.

Pros:
– Biodegradable formula 
– Safe for humans and pets
– Easy-to-use spray application
– Results within 24 hours

Cons:
– Less effective on stubborn weeds
– Better suitable for more sensitive weed varieties

Buy Now

Looking for an effective weed killer? Green Gobbler’s 20% Vinegar Weed Killer is the solution you need! This powerful formula can eliminate all kinds of weeds, such as dandelions, crabgrass, and other annual and perennial weeds. What’s great about this organic weed killer is that it’s approved for organic use and is OMRI-Listed. Made from corn, this non-selective herbicide can help you control unwanted weeds and grasses in your home or business.

2. Sunday Weed Warrior
Sunday Weed Warrior

Price:
$22 (Pack of 2 – 33 oz bottles)

Type:
Non-Selective

Active Ingredients:
Made with organic herbicidal soap that’s free of harsh chemicals

Application Instructions:
Shake well before using, spray weeds thoroughly, and repeat treatment in three to four weeks or as needed.

Pros:
– Safe for the environment and humans
– Does not stain bricks or concrete

Cons:
– Non-selective thus not suitable for lawns

Buy Now

Looking for a powerful weed killer? Look no further than this organic herbicidal soap! It quickly dehydrates weeds, making them easy to remove. The best part? It won’t stain your bricks or concrete. However, caution should be taken as it’s non-selective and shouldn’t be used on your lawn. It’s perfect for flower beds, patios, sidewalks, mulched areas, and beyond.

3. NATRIA Grass and Weed Control
NATRIA Grass and Weed Control with Root Kill

Price:
$33.99

Type:
Non-Selective

Active Ingredients:
3.68% Ammoniated soap of fatty acids, 0.50% Maelic Hydrazine

Application Instructions:
Spray weed until foliage is thoroughly covered.

Pros:
– Kills till the root
– Results visible within 24 hours
– Does not stain asphalt, bricks, and concrete

Cons:
– Not intended for use in lawns (non-selective)

Buy Now

Are you tired of dealing with pesky weeds like poison ivy, crabgrass, and dandelions? Natria’s powerful solution targets the roots of weeds, ensuring they won’t regrow. Plus, it’s effective against various weeds, including Large Crabgrass and Annual Bluegrass. Spray it on unwanted foliage and see results within minutes. Best of all, when used correctly, it won’t leave stains on your bricks, concrete, or asphalt. Say goodbye to weeds for good with Natria.

4. Natural Armour Weed & Grass Killer 
Natural Armour Natural Armor All-Natural Weed Killer - GALLON (128 oz.)

Price:
$29.92 for 128 fl oz

Type:
Non-Selective

Active Ingredients:
Ammoniated soap

Application Instructions:
Ready to Use – just spray and go.

Pros:
– Kills to the roots
– Visual results in as little as 24 hours
– Does not stain bricks, concrete, or asphalt

Cons:
– Kills grass, not intended for use on lawns
– Must be thoroughly covered

Buy Now

All-natural’s powerful and capable of killing over 250 types of weeds and grasses quickly. It’s the best non-toxic, eco-friendly organic weed and grass killer on the market. Your weeds and grass will look like they’ve been torched! Plus, it’s the same price as name brands but without any potentially dangerous chemicals. You can trust it to be safe for people, pets, and the environment.

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5. Eco-Garden Pro Organic Vinegar Weed Killer & Grass Killer
Eco-Garden Pro Organic Vinegar Weed Killer & Grass Killer - 1 Gallon

Price:
$26.95 for 1 Gallon

Type:
Non-Selective

Active Ingredients:
Sodium chloride and vinegar

Application Instructions:
No dilution is required. The product is ready to use. Set the trigger sprayer on your applicator to the finest mist setting – for the best coverage.

Pros:
– Safe for groundwater and surrounding vegetation
– Suitable for most weed varieties (moss, green grass, poison ivy, etc)

Cons:
– Sprayer is not included

Buy Now

This organic weed killer by Eco-Garden Pro is safe for households with kids and pets. It is carefully formulated using GRAS ingredients and kills the weed quickly without harmful toxins. Their proprietary non-toxic weed killer formula is said to deliver results within 24 hours. 1 Gallon of ready-to-use (RTU) weed killer will treat 1,000 square feet. Enough to kill weeds around your house and garden. The product requires no further dilution. 

6. Epsoma Organic Weed Preventer
Espoma Organic Weed Preventer

Price:
$54.05 for 25lb

Active Ingredients:
100% Corn gluten meal

Application Instructions:
Sprinkle evenly over the area.  Water lightly after application.

Pros:
– Prevents weed growth, 
– Nourishes lawns

Cons:
– Not effective on existing weeds
– Requires proper timing for application

Buy Now

Espoma’s All natural weed preventer and lawn food are ideal for the growth prevention of pesky weeds. It also prevents dandelions, crabgrass, and other common weeds growth and provides long-lasting greening that won’t burn. Children and pets can play on the lawn right after application, thus making it a safe choice. 

7. Harris Vinegar and Sea Salt Weed & Grass Killer
Harris Vinegar and Sea Salt Weed & Grass Killer

Price:
$19.99 for 128 oz

Type:
Non-Selective

Active Ingredients:
Sodium chloride 10%, Vinegar 8%

Application Instructions:
Spraying

Pros:
– Quick action and fast results
– Can be used for a wide variety of weed
– Can be used in gardens, dog runs, flower beds, walkways, etc

Cons:
– Require ideal conditions during application

Buy Now

Get rid of all types of weeds quickly with Harris Sea Salt & Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer. Safe for use up to 48 hours before harvest, it can be used in gardens, yards, kennels, dog runs, and walkways. Apply when weeds are small and actively growing, and spray thoroughly until wet. For best results, apply when the temperature is 50-75 degrees Fahrenheit, and the leaves are dry.

8. Bonide BurnOut Weed and Grass Killer
Bonide BurnOut Weed and Grass Killer

Price:
$19.98 for 32 Fl oz

Type:
Non-Selective

Active Ingredients:
Citric acid; clove oil

Application Instructions:
Ready to Use Spray Bottle

Pros:
– Works in low temperatures (40 degrees F)
– After drying becomes waterproof
– Works within hours of application

Cons:
– Less product quantity
– Non-selective (will kill nearby plants if applied accidentally)

Buy Now

BurnOut organic weed killer is for use on non-selective broadleaf and grassy weeds. Their products show results within hours of application, and once dried, it becomes waterproof. It will work in temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit. This Organic weed killer is ideally used for driveways, borders, sidewalks, the base of mature trees, greenhouses, etc. and?! It is safe for the planet, people, and pets!

9. DR. EARTH ORGANIC WEED & GRASS HERBICIDE
DR. EARTH ORGANIC AND NATURAL FINAL STOP® WEED & GRASS HERBICIDE

Price:
$25.99 for 1 Gallon RTU

Type:
Non-Selective

Active Ingredients:
Cinnamon oil, citric acid, clove oil, rosemary oil, sesame oil, thyme oil

Application Instructions:
Spraying

Pros:
– Kills till the root
– Fast-working formula

Cons:
– Needs to be used in the hottest hour of the day

Buy Now

This organic weed killer has a highly effective formula that kills the roots. It is also used to kill grasses and broadleaf weeds. When used as directed with all the precautions, the formula is said to be safe for humans and pets. Also, keep in mind that it works when there is plenty of sun, so make sure to spray it in the hottest hour of the day for the best results!

10. BioSafe Weed & Grass Killer Non-Selective Herbicide
BioSafe SystemsWeed & Grass Killer Non-Selective Herbicide- For Broadleaf & Grassy Weeds

Price:
$64.29 for 128 fl oz

Active Ingredients:
Ammonium Nonanoate

Application Instructions:
Spray application

Pros:
– Safe around walkways, flower beds, and landscaping
– Quick action formula
– Water soluble herbicide

Cons:
– It is expensive

Buy Now

BioSafe Weed Control is an organic-certified herbicide that effectively eliminates annual and perennial broadleaf weeds and grasses. It is an ideal product for gardeners as it does not leave any residue and allows you to plant within a week of application. For optimal results, it is recommended to use BioSafe on weeds before they fully mature.

Organic Weed Killer Home Recipe

Why Choose Organic Weed Killers? 

We promised a simple recipe for an organic weed killer that you can easily make at home, and here it is. With simple ingredients and three simple steps, you can make an effective organic weed killer at home.

Ingredients

  • White Vinegar: 1 gallon (4 liters) – Vinegar contains acetic acid which helps to burn the foliage of weeds.
  • Salt: 1 cup – Salt dehydrates plants and disrupts the internal water balance of plant cells.
  • Dish Soap: 1 tablespoon – Soap acts as a surfactant, which reduces the surface tension of the vinegar, helping it stick to the weeds more effectively.

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients:
    • In a large container, mix the vinegar and salt.
    • Stir until the salt is completely dissolved.
    • Add the dish soap to the mixture and stir gently to combine without creating too much foam.
  2. Application:
    • Pour the solution into a spray bottle for easy application.
    • Spray the weeds directly with the solution, coating them thoroughly. The best time to do this is on a sunny day, as the heat helps to accelerate the process.
    • Be careful to target only the weeds, as this mixture can harm your other plants as well.

Conclusion

In a world where sustainable practices are becoming increasingly crucial, organic weed killers are a responsible and environmentally friendly choice. This article has shed light on the multifaceted benefits these organic weed killers bring to our gardens and landscapes. By harnessing the power of natural ingredients, organic weed killers strike a balance between effective weed control and safeguarding the health of our ecosystems.

Interested in checking out healthier and safer ways of gardening? Dive into our Home and Lifestyle blogs for sustainable gardening tips and innovative planting ideas that will help you grow a vibrant, eco-friendly oasis.

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Picture of Shruti Jagani

Shruti Jagani

She has an environmental science and biodiversity management background with a keen interest in sustainability. She spends all her extra time gardening and loves contributing her knowledge and collaborating with those who share the same enthusiasm for sustainability.

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