Q: Could you please tell me where I can purchase horticultural grade orange oil? The AJC ran an article written by horticulturist Trisha Shirey of
Dallas Tx. She says to mix orange oil with pickling vinegar and dish soap for an effective poison ivy killer .

A: Her online recipe calls for 20% vinegar, which is WAY stronger than I feel is safe for most gardeners. This level of acidity will burn skin…and I don’t know of a source other than chemical supply houses.

You can get the same oil-stripping, leaf-killing effect with Bayer Natria Weed and Grass Killer and it’s a lot safer to use.