There are worse things than weeds in the garden, whether between patio slabs, cobblestones or in the bed itself. But I know that there are really decent people who are terribly bothered by it. They can certainly be helped. For the sake of the environment, however, you should keep your hands off chemical weed killers. Herbicides are often particularly effective, but they leave traces in the soil, long-lasting traces. A rough distinction is made between broad-spectrum herbicides (effective against several weeds at the same time) and selective herbicides (effective only against a specific weed). The agent intervenes in the metabolism of the plant and causes it to die. Find out more about biological weedkillers in this guide.
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danger
The best known chemical herbicide is arguably Roundup. Unfortunately, it is also used in agriculture when other means are used than in the hobby garden. Hardly any remedy is so controversial. Although it fulfills its purpose and it is also considered safe for humans and animals, scholars argue about that. Many warn against the use. It is not for nothing that it is only given in such small quantities. In addition, like most remedies, Roundup does not differentiate between weeds and crops. It simply flattens everything. If you are interested, you should read the following text. The manufacturer of Roundup plays all kinds of bizarre games: www.gesundheitlicheaufklaerung.de/die-natur-schlaegt-zurueck. That can happen when one relies on such funds. Let’s hope,
Herbicides must not be used on paved paths and surfaces. It is downright forbidden and a criminal offense. These areas include the terraces, the paved garden paths and driveways, the parking spaces for cars and the like. It is precisely there that you want to save yourself the work of scratching the joints. Not with chemical herbicides!
Biological herbicides
In addition to manual control methods, there are also biological weed killers as an alternative to chemical control. These are natural remedies that are supposed to help destroy the weeds and strengthen the crops. During my research I read the craziest ideas about everything that should biologically help against weeds, soft soap, liquid soap, for example (both very organic ). I make my soap myself, just to know that it is organic and then I pour the liquid soap, which is so full of chemistry, into nature? No matter how diluted it is. Again and again I hear and read that vinegar should be one of the biological agents. That is not right!
Vinegar and salt to kill weeds
Both are old home remedies, but I have to say very clearly that you just didn’t know any better in the past. Vinegar and salt, as well as chemical pesticides, are prohibited on paved surfaces. Biodegradation is not possible on these areas. The surface water cannot seep away. The substances get into the sewer system and under certain circumstances into the groundwater. That is exactly what must not happen. Vinegar and salt are allowed on unsealed surfaces, because the problems just mentioned do not exist, but there are others. If you want to get rid of the weeds on your lawn and use salt or vinegar, the grasses also break. No distinction is made between weeds and not weeds. Both remedies are also quite aggressive. They shouldn’t be used in nature. Weeds are persistent. It comes back quickly and then the treatment would have to be repeated. How often do you want to do that? When does the natural balance overturn?
Weeds between slabs, stones and paved surfaces
In my opinion, the best biological agent on terraces, paths, driveways, on all paved surfaces, is boiling water. Water, without any additives, just hot. I always use the kettle and pour the hot water exactly where it should go. Sometimes you have to repeat the process after a few days, but one application is usually enough. The plant and its roots die and can easily be pulled out of the ground. Nothing grows back that quickly. Of course, you can’t prevent new seeds from getting into the cracks, but for now it’s quiet.
Of course, this method does not work in beds or lawns, because even hot water does not know the differences between weeds and crops.
Mushrooms against weeds
Tests are currently underway to control certain types of weeds with fungal spores. The spores are sprayed on. The experiments are going very well. The weeds die, the crops survive. However, for me this is too much of an encroachment on nature. Who knows what the consequences will be. In addition, the production of the fungal spores in the required amount is very expensive. Fortunately, nothing is officially approved.
Organic weed killers for sale
Numerous biological agents are available on the market. It is always interesting how users rate them. You have the choice between ready-mixed solutions that only have to be sprayed on and those that you have to mix yourself. Finished products are usually significantly more expensive. Of course, it is important to fully adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions for use. This is the only way to avoid damage to the environment, pets and people.
NEUDORFF – Finalsan concentrate WeedFree Plus
- Effective against weeds, grasses, ground elder, field horsetail, moss and algae
- Active ingredients pelargonic acid and maleic acid hydrazide
- With long-term effect deep in the roots
- Effect after just a few hours
- Biodegradable
- Not dangerous for bees
- Mix 100 ml with 500 ml water – sufficient for 6 m²
- Wet individual plants completely
- Ideal for pressure sprayer
- 1 liter a good 15 euros
On average very good to good ratings from customers, but the product is also aggressive towards other plants. So it can only be used again on paved surfaces and what then speaks against hot water? That’s a lot cheaper !!! But I don’t want to offend anyone here. After all, everyone has to decide for themselves.
Plants with long roots are not destroyed. This is especially true of nettles. The entire root cord is not reached and if a piece is left it will sprout again.
Compo 26522 organic weed killer Herbistop AF
- Ready-to-use total herbicide in a spray bottle
- Active ingredient pelargonic acid
- Against single and dicotyledonous weeds
- Works after just 2 to 3 hours
- Also for groundwater and field horsetail
- Long-term effect – up to 8 weeks
- Also works at low temperatures
- Once dry, children and pets can go back into the garden
- Not dangerous for bees
- 1 liter spray bottle approx. 15 euros (is not diluted)
- Is judged to be quite good, but not overwhelming.
Compo 26521 organic weed killer Herbistop
- Not in the spray bottle, but to dilute
- Active ingredient perlagonic acid
- Otherwise everything as described above
- 130 ml of the agent with 870 ml of water for 10 m²
- Repeat treatment after 21 to 60 days
- 1 Liter ca. 13 Euro
- The remedy is quite new. I couldn’t find any reviews.
Celaflor NaturenBio weed-free
- Based on nature-identical acetic acid
- Against all known weeds
- Effect visible after 1 to 2 days
- Ready-made solution in spray bottle
- Maximal 40 ml pro m²
- Not compatible with all materials (stones, slabs)
- You shouldn’t spray on crops either
- 1 Liter ca. 13 Euro
- Customer reviews are good, but it wouldn’t be my remedy, just because of the active ingredient
Maleic hydrazide and pelargonic acid are biodegradable weed killers. A mixture of both substances is considered to be particularly effective.
Maleic hydrazide is one of the growth regulators. The substance has a systemic effect, penetrates the lines of the plants, right into the root vegetation points. Cell division is prevented there. Shoot and root growth are prevented for a few weeks. Pelargonic acid is a saturated fatty or carboxylic acid. It occurs in the leaves of the pelargonium, but also in hop oil, rose oil and human skin.
Alternatives to biological and chemical weed control
- Chop and pull weeds out of the earth. If possible in moist soil, after rain, this is the easiest way and you can pull out the whole root. Nothing can grow without them:
- If you have it in your back, you should use a weed picker with a handle, so you don’t even have to bend down. Unfortunately, you don’t always get the entire root like this.
- A cultivator or a roller cultivator provide similar services.
- Grout cleaners dispose of weeds from joints between slabs, paving stones and the like.
- Weeds on paved surfaces can be flamed.
- Infrared devices are more effective than the last two devices mentioned. They develop temperatures of up to 1,000 degrees. The protein cells of the plants burst. Nobody survives that.
- Pressure washers are also a way to fight the weeds between plates, as are electrically powered brush devices.
Conclusion
Biological weed killers are definitely better than the chemical club, which is still used in many gardens. What bothers me about the whole thing, however, is the high price one has to pay for one’s good will to want to protect the environment. I’m more in favor of hoeing and weeding. This is not only cheaper, but also good for your health. You get a lot of fresh air and exercise. However, I admit that I would like to avoid the sore muscles when I start the first major campaign after winter, but it comes reliably every year. I will continue to rely on hot water for the areas between the terrace slabs and the paving stones. I’ve had good experiences with that. So, don’t complain and go to the bed.
