Animal friendly weedkiller

[Sportsman]

This is a subject bought up on one of the ex pat forums in France.

We were looking for a dog friendly weed killer to take care of weeds in a gravel drive and what was suggested was vingar.

We can buy clear pickling strength vinegar (about 4% ABV) for about 40cents a litre from supermarkets so tried that through a sprayer with the addition of a little detergent as a wetting agent.

I have to say that I was a bit sceptical but the results are fantastic with the weeds dead the next day and the added bonus that the garden smells like a chipper

 

If you have weeds and animals it is worth a try.

 

Afterthought: apparently it works best when sprayed on in direct sunlight

[corydoras]

Glyphosphate

[Sportsman]

Glyphosphate

 

Tried that.

The vinegar was more effective and much cheaper

[Zigs]

But unfortunately illegal in the EU

[Sportsman]

But unfortunately illegal in the EU

Sorry, are you saying that spraying weeds with vinegar is illegal?

Edited August 29, 2011 by Sportsman

[Zigs]

Sorry, are you saying that spraying weeds with vinegar is illegal?

 

Stupid isn't it.

 

Under EU law any pesticide or herbicide that hasn't been tested and approved can't be used as a pesticide or herbicide, so the soapy washing up water that we used to spray on the aphids is now illegal.

 

We've looked into this a bit deeper on our gardening forum as we can't be seen to condone anything illegal. We found a quote from a British politician saying that they are unlikely to enforce the law in the UK though.

[Steve Walker]

Sorry, are you saying that spraying weeds with vinegar is illegal?

 

As I understand it, using anything as a biocide which is not specifically approved as such is illegal.

 

On the other hand, you are in France...

[Sportsman]

Hmm interesting (and stupid)

 

I'll try not to let it worry me too much but there are going to be some fireworks on the other forum when I bring this up

[Phone]

Sportsman,

 

And, if you are in the new world with alkaline(sp) soil you will get BIG weeds by adding acid.

 

Phone

[Zigs]

As I understand it, using anything as a biocide which is not specifically approved as such is illegal.

 

On the other hand, you are in France...

 

Thats right Steve. France is still in the EU isn't it ?