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January 3, 2012

Lawn and garden tips – gardening with vinegar

- by Debra Anchors


Vinegar has been used as an organic method of weed control, cleanser and as plant nutrition in the landscape for generations. Although these tips are not new, I am passing the information along for readers who may not yet be aware of how useful (and inexpensive) vinegar can be in the garden. I find that 10% vinegar (sometimes sold as pickling vinegar) works best but white distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar works also.

Kill grass: To kill grass on sidewalks and driveways, pour full strength white distilled vinegar on it.

Kill weeds: Spray white distilled vinegar full strength on top of weeds. Reapply on any new growth until plants have starved.

Increase soil acidity: In hard water areas, add a cup of vinegar to a gallon of tap water for watering acid loving plants like rhododendrons, gardenias or azaleas. The vinegar will release iron in the soil for the plants to use.

Neutralize garden lime: Rinse your hands liberally with white distilled vinegar after working with garden lime to avoid rough and flaking skin. Clean pots before re-potting, rinse with vinegar to remove excess lime.

Keep Flowers Longer: Add 2 tablespoons sugar and 2 tablespoons white vinegar in a 1-quart vase of water.  Trim stems and change water every five days.

Fertilize potted plantsTo create an inexpensive and mild fertilizer, which also purifies the water, mix 1 ounce of apple cider vinegar and 1 gallon of water (an easy way to measure an ounce is to use a shot glass).

Add nutrients to your plants: Mix vinegar and water using a ratio of 1:8.  Mix a separate solution of sugar and water in a mixture of 1:8. Combine the vinegar and sugar mixtures. Add to your plants as long as needed.





A source used while writing this post: The Vinegar Institute.

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Wishing you joyful gardening! 
-Debra

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11 comments:

  1. WOW! I was aware that vinegar had many useful purposes but your article added even more to my list! Thank you!

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  2. Thank you for your comment Cindy. It is amazing how useful this natural product is.

    And, if I were writing a CLEANING blog . . .

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  3. I may give vinegar a try this year. I have a lot of grass to kill, and don't want to spray chemicals. Thanks for the information!

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  4. Interesting, I've used vinegar on weeds and grasses, but never tried to use it to preserve fresh-cut flowers! I've used aspirin, but never vinegar. Will have to give that a go next time!

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  5. Great tips! I had not heard of some of these uses for vinegar. Thanks for the information!

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  6. Good to know! I'm growing gardenias in pots as our soil is so alkaline...I'll give them a little vinegar this year. Best wishes for a wonderful New Year!

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  7. Vinegar has so many uses. I think I once saw a book on all its uses. I use vinegar to kill weeds...sometimes I add a bit of salt if it is a particularly stubborn weed. Great tips!

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  8. Thank you. I did not know about vinegar in the garden!

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  9. Thank you for getting the word out about using vinegar rather than chemicals!!!

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  10. Yup, vinegar portrays an essential part in gardening. And this post gives a good explanation why. :)

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