Best Homemade Crabgrass Killers That Actually Work

Crabgrass is a gardener’s nightmare. It is one of the fastest-growing weeds you’ll find in your lawn and yard. The crooked stems, which resemble crab legs, make it difficult for other shrubs and plants to grow around it. Also, it can make your garden look shabby, as it leaves bald patches here and there.

Though it is frustrating and spreads fast, it is easy to get rid of. With a few DIY solutions, you can eliminate them from your garden and also prevent them from growing back.

What is Crabgrass?

Crabgrass is a type of weed, native to Europe, that has now spread globally. They are annual weeds that thrive in summer and creep along the ground. They thrive in almost every condition, whether it is dry or wet soil.

Crabgrass can negatively impact the ecosystem, as it can dominate the natural resources, such as sunlight, water, and nutrients, as it spreads. They are invasive in nature and can often be considered a threat to other growing plants, while disrupting the aesthetic of your garden and lawn. Plus, it can choke other plants, leaving a blotchy and uneven landscape, and ravage the flowerbed. Hence, the weed needs to be taken care of before it grows out of control.

What is the Best Homemade Crabgrass Killer?

Baking soda is considered one of the best home ingredients for killing crabgrass. It has sodium bicarbonate, which contains phytotoxic properties that damage the cellular function of plants. It increases the pH level of the soil, making the condition unsuitable for the weed.

When you apply directly to the crabgrass, it removes essential moisture, which weakens the weed and leads to its death. However, they must be used judiciously, as they can damage other plants.

How to Prepare a Baking Soda Solution to Kill Crabgrass?

Before you prepare a mixture, ensure you have your gloves on, as baking soda may irritate the skin. To prepare -

• Get a clean spray bottle.

• Pour equal parts baking soda and white vinegar.

• They form a fizz, which is quite normal when baking soda and vinegar react.

• Next, add half a cup of water to make the mixture easy to spray. Water dilutes the mixture, but does not harm the efficacy of the solution.

You can also consider adding a few drops of Castile soap to boost the efficiency of the solution. The soap helps the mixture to stick to the surface of the crabgrass. Once the mixture is ready, tighten the cap and mix it well.

How to Kill Crabgrass Using Alternative DIY Methods?

Here are some homemade crabgrass killer methods you can use to remove crabgrass from your lawn and garden -

Citric Acid

You can also use citric acid to remove crabgrass from your lawn. Add four ounces of lemon juice concentrate to a quart of apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle, and then spray the mixture on the crabgrass.

Thick Layer of Mulch

Add a layer of mulch at least three inches thick to block the sunlight, and be sure to cover only the crabgrass. You can also use newspapers, landscape fabrics, paver blocks, and black plastic to suffocate the weeds.

Mow Your Lawn

Mow your lawn to prevent crabgrass from growing. However, be sure not to mow aggressively, as it can damage the turf, so it is advisable to mow only three inches.

Boiling Water

Use boiling water, as it can kill the plant. It defoliates the plant on contact and works best as a spot treatment for killing the weed growing across driveways, walkways, and patios. It is advisable to handle the boiling water container properly, because if it spills on the way, it may scald you and damage the plants on the way.

Handpull the Weed

Although it is time-consuming, hand-pulling is one of the most effective methods for removing and preventing crabgrass. Whenever you see any crabgrass growing in your garden, remove it by hand.