RoundUp Weedkiller Lessons

I was over at Sears Hardware debating whether to pick up the regular pre-mixed, spray bottle RoundUp or the concentrated version that makes 2.5 gallons of Roundup or 5 gallons (slightly more diluted) of Roundup. I ended up getting the 15 ounce bottle of concentrate. I mixed it up using 6 ounces of Roundup to 1 gallon of water. It seems to be taking much longer to kill the weeds. I've sprayed them three times now.

What I suppose happened, is that Sears probably doesn't move much of the concentrate so who knows how long that stuff has sat on the shelf. I imagine over time that it breaks down and isn't as effective.

RoundUp Weedkiller Lessons

So if you go to buy Roundup, opt for the pre-mixed, spray bottle version or check with the store to make sure the concentrated version of Roundup hasn't been sitting on the shelf for over a year.

Here's the weedkilling secret that RoundUp doesn't want you to know about. Vinegar works just as well and in some cases better than RoundUp. Go to the grocery store and buy a gallon container of white vinegar. I use it in my sprayer and add a little liquid dishwashing soap. I've seen one recipe calling for 3 parts vinegar to one part dish soap. I would recommend 6 parts vinegar to 1 part dish soap.

How does it work? It destroyed my lawn ivy. It's really good on dandelions too. Broadleaf weeds just can't deal with it. Apply it at the beginning of a hot sunny day and watch weeds turn black and wither by mid-afternoon. At $3 a gallon, it's about 10% the cost of RoundUp. Don't get it on your grass as it will wipe grass out too. Apparently, the acetic acid in vinegar does a number on weeds or any plant you get it on. Some weeds may take a few applications especially if rain washes it off. The dish soap acts as a glue between the vinegar and the weed - keeping it on the weed. What a great weed solution! But, shhhhh!, RoundUp doesn't want you to know.