Stop Pesky Weeds From Growing In Cracks With A Common Kitchen Essential

Nothing can ruin your home's aesthetic appeal like the sight of weeds flourishing in the cracks of the sidewalk, patio, or driveway. When you spot them creeping into your landscape, you do not need to grab a bottle of harsh chemical-laden weed killer. There is a gentler alternative: baking soda. The same box of sodium bicarbonate that helps clean your pans will also work as a simple, natural weed killer. Easy to use and safe for use around pets, it helps remove these pesky green invaders without resulting in harsh chemicals.

You may already be familiar with the wonders of baking soda cleaning hacks in your home, but had no idea that it can remove weeds from your yard. It is especially effective on small, shallow-rooted weeds such as crabgrass and chickweed. The sodium bicarbonate works as a desiccant, zapping the moisture from the plant. It does this with the baking soda's sodium, or salt, which floods the weeds' cells. The disruption in the water balance within the weed leads to stress and dehydration. Without the hydration they need, they begin to dry, wither, and eventually die.

Before you rush out and dump it all over your driveway, there are a few things every gardener should know before using baking soda on plants, even weeds. Because of baking soda's high sodium levels, it should only be used on weeds growing between pavers, in sidewalk cracks, and around concrete driveways. Applying it near your garden and lawn could be detrimental, as it kills other plants and may alter the soil pH, potentially affecting future growth.

Now it is time to eliminate annoying weeds with baking soda. Combine 10 tablespoons mixed with 1 gallon of water. You can use any brand of baking soda you have on-hand, but start with a fresh, unopened box, not one that has been zapping smells from your fridge for the best potency. Mix well until fully dissolved, then it is ready for your spray bottle or garden sprayer. Carefully spray your targeted weeds, coating them thoroughly with your solution. This hack works during the weeds' active growth period in the spring and summer, when they're readily absorbing moisture. Avoid applying the rain, as a wet environment is counterintuitive to the baking soda's dehydrating effects. 

When working within tight areas, consider using a plastic tarp or drop cloth to protect nearby plants. You may begin seeing results within one to two days, when the weeds turn brown. However, the full weed death can take several weeks, so be patient. Stubborn and hardy weeds may need subsequent application. Once the weeds are fully dead, you can simply remove them from the cracks by pulling them out by hand or with a weeding tool. After you have eradicated the weeds, try using concrete caulk to close any gaps between concrete cracks in your driveway to prevent future growth.