One person’s treasure is another person’s weed. Deciding whether a plant is a treasure or a weed is often determined by the location of the plant. If a plant is growing in the wrong place, like through concrete, cracks in the sidewalk, or unintentionally covering a garden bed, the location alone will dictate if it is a weed or treasure. Let’s talk about the plants we decide are in the wrong place or plants that may interfere with intentional plants in the bed.

Weed control is a major task in the garden and around the home. In order to keep weeds from becoming a nuisance, practice diligence by inspecting your gardens often. Pulling them by hand is effective but not always efficient. Hand pulling disturbs the soil and often brings up weed seeds lying dormant in the ground just waiting for the opportunity to sprout. Many weeds will easily regrow if even a trace of the root is left behind when pulling the plant out of the soil. Weeds in cracks and crevasses between pavement areas are difficult and messy to pull, often bringing up sand and soil creating gaps that may loosen bricks or stone pavers.

Many gardeners want to avoid using chemical herbicides as they pose environmental and health risks in high foot traffic areas. Earth’s Ally Weed & Grass Killer formulas are pet-friendly and safe for bees and other pollinators when used as directed.

About Earth’s Ally Weed & Grass Killer Concentrate

Earth’s Ally Weed & Grass Killer Concentrate is a non-selective herbicide that effectively kills many common unwanted weeds including broadleaf, dandelion, clover, chickweed, and many more. Use it wherever weeds are not wanted such as planting beds, driveways, patios, pavers, edging, fence lines, and gravel areas. An eco-friendly powdered concentrate, each bag uses 97% less plastic when compared to Earth’s Ally ready-to-use Weed & Grass Killer one-gallon bottle and sprayer.

Powered by sea salt and made without harmful chemicals, Weed & Grass Killer Concentrate works on contact to kill weeds, dehydrating the roots and disrupting the internal water balance within the plant’s cells. Independent testing found that, when used as directed, it kills weeds to the root so they won’t grow back.

How to Mix Weed & Grass Killer Concentrate

As with any pesticide, read the entire label before use. You will want to use a sprayer with at least a one-gallon capacity and a corrosion-resistant model is recommended.

If your sprayer has one, make sure the on/off valve is in the “off” position before filling. In a well-ventilated area (or preferably outdoors), fill the sprayer with one gallon of water. Warm water will help the concentrate dissolve better, but cold or room temperature water can also be used.

Add the entire contents of the bag to the sprayer. Avoid inhaling the powder by pouring it at arm’s length. Close the sprayer, then shake the mixture well. Inspect the bottom of the tank for residue and shake again if necessary. Ensure the pump and dip tube are tightened so no air is leaking out of the tank once pressurized.

The Best Weather Conditions to Apply Weed & Grass Killer

Apply when no rain is expected for 24 hours and weeds are dry. Spray when weeds are small, before they flower and set seeds for next year. For best results, apply during abundant sunshine and in warmer afternoon hours. Do not spray on windy days to avoid getting spray drift on desirable plants. Like all non-selective herbicides, care must be taken when treating weeds surrounded by plants you do not wish to harm. For additional safety, do not use when pollinators are active. 

How to Apply Weed & Grass Killer Concentrate

Adjust the spray nozzle to a strong stream and thoroughly saturate the weed, placing the nozzle close to or directly on the weed. A good practice is to spray more than you think you need, making sure the spray gets down to the roots. Shake the sprayer often during applications. Multiple applications may be necessary to control certain tough and dense weeds.

Because Earth’s Ally Weed & Grass Killer is a non-selective herbicide, be careful when applying it near desirable plants. You shouldn’t spray on healthy grass or plants unless you want to eliminate them. Using a sprayer with a stream setting, instead of a mist, will help with a more accurate application.

Have weeds intermingled with plants you want to keep? Here’s a life hack from experienced gardeners: Use a disposable cup to contain the spray. Remove the bottom of the cup, place it around the weed you want to eliminate, and then spray into the cup through the open bottom. This will help contain the spray only to the undesirable plant. 

Caring for Your Sprayer

Your sprayer should have manufacturer instructions for caring for it. Cleaning your sprayer after every use will extend its life. These additional steps will help keep your sprayer in good working order:

• Clean the outside of the spray tank with water to remove residue. 
• Fill the sprayer halfway with water and shake. Empty the tank again and fill it halfway with water again. Pump the sprayer and spray clean water through the nozzle.
• If your nozzle has a filter, check it for any residue and clean it if necessary.
• Release air pressure before storing.

We’d love to hear how you’re using Earth’s Ally Weed & Grass Killer. Share your experience and stay connected with the #EarthsAlly community on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for access to our latest blog posts, giveaways, and exclusive promotions.