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Removing weeds is a great way to keep your garden healthy. However, some weed killers contain chemicals that could harm your pets if not used carefully.
Here is a guide to killing weeds using organic and pet-friendly methods that can help keep our furry friends safe. I’d be happy to assist if you have any questions.
Remove weeds by hand
Use your hands to pull out weeds, including the roots. The trick is to grasp the weeds as close to the soil as possible. Then, pull them up firmly. Exceptions to this include onion grass or any other weeds with underground bulbs or bulbils.
There are also many good tools available to help you remove weeds. Traditional weeders like the Cyclone Stainless Steel Weeder are great at removing smaller weeds quickly. You can also opt for high-tech ergonomic weed pullers like the Fiskars Xact Weed Puller, which are perfect for removing established weeds or when you are working with larger areas. They are also easier on your back and knees.
Don't forget to wear gloves to protect yourself from prickles or caustic sap.
Use mulch to cover your garden
Mulch can help control weeds while keeping your garden safe for your pets. It also helps you save water. Mulching blocks sunlight, depriving them of vital nutrients and killing them organically.
Here is how to use mulch to prevent weed growth:
- Physically remove any large and tall weeds.
- If your garden is due for feeding, spread a suitable fertiliser and water well. Water your garden well before applying any mulch.
- Spread a generous layer of mulch (50 - 75mm thick). Some people like to use weed mat under the mulch. Check out this guide on how to install weed matting for details. You can also use newspaper (at least six to eight pages thick) or a plain cardboard. If you choose to use newspaper or cardboard, water your layer down to prevent it from blowing away. It will decompose over a few months, adding organic matter to the soil.
Cover weeds with newspaper or cardboard before mulching
- Mulches like lucerne, sugar cane or bark chips are great for soil health. Other alternatives include pebbles or gravel. Make sure the mulch is around 5cm away from plant trunks or stems.
- Water the area well.
Any weeds that do grow through the mulch can be easily removed by hand.
Homemade pet-friendly weed killers and D.I.Y. recipes
There are many common household items that you can use to kill your weeds organically without any potential harm to your pets. These include:
- Boiling water
Boiling water instantly kills smaller weeds. A quick and easy way to kill weeds without using any toxic chemicals. It is perfect for smaller areas. Pour boiling water straight onto the weeds. Take care not to splash yourself or any desirable plants. We also recommend ensuring no pets are nearby when using this.
- Vinegar. Simply fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and spray onto weeds. Avoid any surrounding plants or pets.
You can also combine vinegar with other ingredients to make your own weed killer. Below is a commonly used recipe:
- Mix one litre of white vinegar with half a cup of Epsom salts (magnesium sulphate). Stir until dissolved.
- Add one teaspoon of dishwashing detergent and gently mix through. The detergent helps bind the salt and vinegar solution to the foliage.
- Pour into a spray bottle and apply to weeds.
White vinegar is a great option for removing weeds
Note that the homemade treatments listed above may require repeat applications, especially when stubborn weeds are involved.
How to use homemade weed killers safely
We recommend wearing suitable personal protection equipment when using any garden products or D.I.Y. recipes.
For effective results, spray weed killers when foliage is dry. Try to ensure there is no rain for around 12 hours before and after using weed killers.
Importantly, keep pets and people away from your garden while spraying and until the spray has dried.
Organic and chemical-based herbicides
Organic herbicides, including those made from vinegar and plant-based oils, are commonly used to remove weeds without harming pets.
You can also use traditional chemical-based herbicides, provided you are careful with how you use them. Always follow specific instructions on the label and keep your pets away from treated areas while wet.
Keep your lawn healthy
A lush and healthy lawn is a great way to prevent weeds from growing, making it a safe area for your pets to enjoy.
Here are a few lawn maintenance and mowing tips to keep in mind:
- Mow regularly in warmer weather. This keeps your grass growing vigorously, helping it outcompete weeds. New grass growth is also great for covering bare patches in your garden.
- Feed your lawn seasonally using quality pet-friendly lawn food like Scotts Lawn Builder. This will help keep your lawn nourished.
- Apply Seasol regularly to help stimulate micro-organisms in the soil and improve your lawn's health.
- Don’t let your lawn weeds go to seed. If they do seed, then mow with your catcher on. Don’t mulch mow. Clean your mower wheels thoroughly.
- Add bagged top dressing mix and spread some lawn seed over any bare spots.
- Oversow your lawn. You can use tough varieties of seeds that are designed for wear and tear from pets. This also helps in making your lawn thicker.
Remove weeds in paths and paving
Pesky weeds that grow in between pavers or in your paths are undesirable and need to be managed.
Below are some steps to follow when removing weeds from paths and paving:
- Use a suitable homemade herbicide to remove weeds. Another option is to use a flame treatment like the Bosweld Map-Pro Weed Burner, which is also great for destroying roots and seeds. Please keep any local fire restrictions in mind when using flame treatments.
- Once your treatment has killed the weeds, use a pressure or garden hose with a jet nozzle to blast sand from between your pavers. Use a broom to clear away any residual material. Be careful not to undermine the paving or disturb your pavers.
- Once your area is dry, spread a quality locking paving sand on your paving. Dingo Powerloc Paving Sand is a great option. Use a stiff broom to work the sand into the gaps. This can help reduce future weed growth.
Weeds in paver gaps also need to be managed
Use animals to control weed growth
Some animals are good at controlling weeds. For example, chickens are often seen pecking at weed seedlings and unwanted plants. Goats, horses, and sheep are also commonly used to control weed growth on bigger properties.
Keep in mind that these animals may gobble down any plants you’ve recently planted, so keep them away from a new vegetable patch or garden bed. They may also develop a taste for ripening fruit.
Stop weeds from spreading
Ideally, any weed should be removed when it’s first noticed and before it flowers. Flowering is the first sign that it will soon go to seed and start spreading.
If a weed has gone to seed, try your best not to spread the seeds around. Carefully remove the seed heads and place them in a tall bucket or bag before you remove the weed itself.
I also recommend not adding pulled weeds to the compost directly. Put weeds and seed heads in a sealed black plastic garbage bag and leave this in direct sunlight for a few days.
How to keep your garden safe for pets
Need more help with removing weeds in a pet-friendly manner?
The Bunnings Workshop community is here to assist if you have any specific questions about weeding your garden without harming your pets. Don't hesitate to hit the Start a discussion button and let us know your needs.
