Oregon State University Extension Service

Weeds, grass clippings and compost concerns

The following are popular questions asked to OSU Extension, especially in the spring when lawns and compost piles are kicking into gear. Read on for answers.

How can I naturally kill dandelions?

P: Is there a solution I can spray on dandelions instead of pulling them up? Not Roundup.... does vinegar, dawn soap and Epson salts work? Or is there a better one?

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Is vinegar effective for killing weeds?

P: What do you recommend for keeping weeds at bay in planting beds? We'd like to stop using Round-Up. Our beds are too big and the weeds are too numerous to be able to keep up mechanically. Would a vinegar solution be harmful to the soil?

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Does vinegar help with controlling weeds?

P: I’m thinking of using horticultural vinegar a spot applicator such as Weed Wand Magic to kill weeds like dandelions & possibly painting the vinegar onto grasses growing in a planting bed. Do you have any experience with this approach?

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Can I use vinegar to kill dandelions in my grass so that the clippings are safe to compost?

P: I'm composting on site and wondering how concerned I should be about adding the grass clippings. Is there a weed killer that I could use that is safe to compost for a food garden? I’ve been looking into a vinegar/dish soap mix.

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Grass clippings too toxic to compost?

P: Once or twice a summer I treat my lawn with weed & feed and spray on weed killer for lawns. Is it safe to use compost made from the lawn clippings? How long should I reasonably wait to use clippings for compost, and is it safe to use the compost in my veggie garden the following summer?

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Apr 2024
Lynn Ketchum photo of hands in worm compost
Source URL: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/collection/weeds-grass-clippings-compost-concerns