5 Ways to kill weeds naturally

by Norma Pfluge 05/19/2025

A common concern for organic gardeners is finding ways to kill weeds naturally. If you’re trying to avoid synthetic weed killers and keep your garden as healthy as possible, there are many natural alternatives.

From common household items to clever gardening practices, this guide can help you find the best way to manage the weeds without hurting your garden environment.

Corn gluten meal

If you’ve spent time removing weeds and want to make sure they don’t come back, try sprinkling corn gluten meal on exposed areas of the garden. This will prevent the weed seeds from germinating and becoming pesky plants.

Vinegar

Apply regular household vinegar directly to unwanted weeds to kill them off. Use a spray bottle, pump sprayer or even a paint brush to add the vinegar carefully, as it can harm more than just the weeds. Try applying vinegar on a dry day, so there’s no chance of water washing it away.

Newspaper

Have old newspapers to spare? You can use them to smother the weeds and prevent new ones from popping up. Create a thick layer of newspaper to block the sun and prevent photosynthesis. This method works best if you remove existing weeds first and lay the newspaper directly onto damp soil.

Mulch

Mulch is not only an excellent natural weed killer, but one of the best ways to keep your garden healthy in general. Cover the soil with a few inches of mulch - made of organic matter like leaves, wood chips and grass clippings - to help retain moisture and prevent new weed growth.

Ground cover plants

For a low maintenance and long-term weed control, leave no space in your garden uncovered. Ground cover plants like creeping thyme, clover and bugleweed spread out over the surface of the ground to form a natural shield against weeds. As a bonus, you’ll enjoy the lush aesthetic and protection against soil erosion.

These are only a few ways to kill weeds naturally, but some of the simplest. Keep these household items and garden strategies in mind when maintaining your green spaces to keep them free of pesky weeds.

About the Author
Author

Norma Pfluge

 Meet Norma, a trusted realtor in Middle Tennessee. With over 20 years of experience living in Smyrna with her husband and two children, she has a deep understanding of the local community. Norma's background in customer service and the medical field has given her the skills to provide excellent care and service to her clients, no matter the price point of their home.

With a passion for service and a commitment to professionalism, Norma strives to make each client's experience smooth and memorable. As a real estate agent, her first priority is education, as she listens to her clients' needs and wants and uses her skills and 10+ years of experience to deliver a stress-free and enjoyable home buying or selling experience.

Norma is dedicated to making a life-changing difference in her clients' lives and is committed to providing the highest level of service. Let Norma help you navigate the exciting journey of buying or selling your home.