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Weed killer that is safe for bees #616690

Asked March 11, 2020, 4:05 PM EDT

Hello!
I live in the Villa Grove area at the north end of the San Luis Valley, and I plan to install several beehives this spring. My husband is not a fan of bees, but is willing to participate in this endeavor as long as I can find a way to effectively keep the weeds down in the area surrounding his garage/shop. I have seen the 1 gallon bottles of 30% vinegar weedkiller, but at $24/bottle it would be a small fortune to fill our tank sprayer and cover the area in discussion - which is about 40 square yards. I also understand that this is a continual undertaking to dehydrate the foliage with vinegar (and salt), and takes repeated applications. The end goal is to keep the ground clear of vegetation, without toxic herbicides or pesticides. 

Any suggestions? 

Many thanks,
Ami Hooper

Saguache County Colorado

Expert Response

You can make your own vinegar based weed killer and keep the cost lower. I am including a common recipe.

All-natural homemade vinegar weed killer recipe

Ingredients

  • Full strength vinegar
  • 1 cup of salt
  • 1 tablespoon of soap.
How to mix the ingredients
  1. Take one gallon of vinegar and put it in a large mixing can.
  2. Add one cup of salt and stir gently until the salt is completely dissolved.
  3. Add one oz of liquid soap to the mixture of salt and vinegar.
  4. Do not add water so as to retain the full strength
This homemade weed killer is non-selective and should be applied with caution in areas where there are good plants. This will kill annual weeds best.  Grasses and perennial weeds will grow back.
You will need to make repeated applications.
Over time, you may have a build up of salts in the soil.  Don't spray metals as they will corrode.
You can also mow or dig the weeds to help control them. If you put weed barrier fabric or black plastic around the area, it will kill the weeds underneath. After a few weeks you can take up the fabric or plastic and prepare the area for grass if you want to.
For more information, contact me at<personal data hidden>.  I am in the SLV Area Extension Office in Monte Vista.
Good luck,
Marvin

Marvin Reynolds Replied March 12, 2020, 1:51 PM EDT

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