Question
HI,
I am trying to remove violets that are over taking my beds. I was trying to fill a way to do it without using chemicals. So, my question is...
Can you use sugar and/or vinegar with lemon juice and a little soap to eliminate them? My thought process was to spray one or both of these solutions on the violets and then put newspaper now and mulch on top of them. Will this solve my problem? Also, will either one of these treatments hurt my other plants?
Thanks,
Susan

Answer
Dear Susan:

You can use the homemade vinegar/soap/sugar mixture as a vegetation killer, with proper mixing and careful application it will kill practically any vegetation including grass.  Important to remember that this homemade weed killer is not a systemic solution in that it does not kill the root system as does some of the chemical products on the market today.

Specific to your question, I would suggest that you carefully apply the vinegar solution to the violets and give it 48 to 72 hours to work; then: (a) If practical; dig the roots and carcasses that remain and/or (b)Cover the area with newspaper mulch.

Regards,

Mack Jean
AllExperts
Master Gardener
Tennessee