A central Florida landowner cleared a lot 6 months ago and now faces dense weeds. They want an effective, affordable weed killer—ideally a homemade brew—and aren't planning to establish grass yet.
Recommended: Glyphosate (Roundup®)
For total vegetation kill on a cleared lot, glyphosate remains the gold standard:
- Effectiveness: Systemic—moves to roots, kills entire plant.
- Cost: Concentrate (41% glyphosate) ~$20–30/gal; mixes to 1.5 oz/gal water.
- Safety: Low mammalian toxicity, no soil residual, degrades in days.
- Application: Pump sprayer; wet foliage only—no need to soak. Avoid drift on desirable plants.
Why Homemade "Brews" Fall Short
| Home Remedy | Reality |
|---|
| Vinegar (acetic acid) | Burns top growth only; roots survive. 20% horticultural vinegar works better but costs more than glyphosate. |
| Salt / Epsom salt | Sterilizes soil long-term; prevents future planting. Not recommended. |
| Dish soap + vinegar + salt | Contact kill only; no translocation. Weeds regrow from roots. |
| Boiling water | Practical only for tiny areas (cracks, edges). |
Application Tips for Florida
- Timing: Spray actively growing weeds (not drought-stressed). Morning, low wind.
- Repeat: Tough perennials (torpedograss, nutsedge) need 2–3 applications at 2–3 week intervals.
- Surfactant: Add 1 tsp non-ionic surfactant/gal if weeds have waxy leaves.
- Replanting: Wait 3–7 days after weeds yellow; no soil residue concern.
Alternative: Professional-Grade Options
If glyphosate fails on specific weeds (e.g., dollarweed, chamberbitter), consider:
- Triclopyr (brush killer) for woody/viney weeds.
- Imazapyr (long residual) — only if no planting planned for 12+ months.
- Sulfentrazone for sedges/nutsedge.
Bottom Line
Buy a gallon of 41% glyphosate concentrate, a $15 pump sprayer, and follow label directions. It's the most cost-effective, reliable, and environmentally sound choice for lot clearing. Homemade mixtures waste time and money on regrowth.
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