While organic herbicides are safer than chemical herbicides, they can still kill other plants that they come into contact with. [2] X Research source Make sure you’re directing the stream of the herbicide directly onto the crabgrass. Studies show that organic herbicides work best in warm weather that’s above 75 °F (24 °C). Try waiting for a sunny day to make your organic herbicide more effective.
Want to make your natural herbicide more effective? Mix in 1 cup (128 g) of salt for every 1 US gal (3. 8 L) of vinegar you use. The salt will help penetrate the grass and dry it out. Vinegar helps kill existing crabgrass, but it won’t prevent new crabgrass from growing.
For a more precise stream of water (and less dangerous splashing), use a tea kettle instead of a pot.
Be sure you’re digging all the way down to get the entire root system. If you only pull out the top of the crabgrass, it’s just going to grow right back.
If you’re using mulch made of lawn clippings or leaves, add a layer of newspaper on top of the crabgrass. This will help smother it and keep the crabgrass from growing back.
Having trouble tracking how much water you’re giving your lawn? Set an empty tuna can with a depth of about 1 in (2. 5 cm) onto your lawn, then start watering. When the tuna can is full, your lawn is good to go.
Aerators create holes in your soil, but it won’t tear up your grass or your existing lawn.
If you’re in the hottest part of summer, wait until the weather cools down before planting more grass. Grass needs a lot of water to thrive, so it doesn’t do well during dry seasons.
