The Virtues and Versatility of Vinegar

So, in the midst of gardening in 102° heat recently, I was mulling over what to write about for this month's column.

"It's so darned hot everywhere," I thought to myself. "The only thing this heat is good for garden-wise is killing weeds with vinegar."

And like an epiphany, there it was. So, this month, we will talk about the many benefits of vinegar, mainly in the garden.

Vinegar's main ingredient in all forms is Acetic Acid. However, there are many types of vinegars based on the natural ingredient used in the fermentation process. For example, balsamic vinegar comes from the juice of Trebbiano grapes, malt vinegar is derived from aged barley and rice vinegar is made from, duh...fermented rice.

For gardening purposes, we'll stick with two types: White or Distilled vinegar, which originates from grain alcohol, and Apple Cider vinegar, which is made from cider or apple mash.

Tough Guys Wear White

The strongest vinegar available for general use is the 20 percent or 200 grain white distilled variety of vinegar, meaning that about 20 percent of the liquid is acetic acid. If you've read my previous columns, you know that I've mentioned 20 percent vinegar before. And if the email I receive from readers is any indication, many gardeners have trouble finding 20% vinegar to buy. Fortunately for me, the Home Depots and Lowe's in my area started carrying it about a year ago as they expanded the organic gardening product offerings. Unfortunately for you, I can't guarantee the locations near you do as well. If they don't, try the plant nurseries or farm and feed stores in your area.

At 20% strength, this white, pungent liquid is corrosive enough to eat metal and must be handled carefully. Cover all of your skin, your eyes and mouth, and spot-spray only. Never, ever use 20% vinegar on windy days.

Sprayed full strength during the heat of the day and in full sunlight, it is a powerful weed killer. Actually, it's a powerful everything killer...be very cautious of where you spray, as 20% vinegar is completely non-selective, meaning it will kill whatever plant material it comes in contact with. (Another good reason not to use it on windy days...)

Be further warned that 20% vinegar is not dirt cheap, especially if you're buying it at a chichi garden center. Expect to pay at least $12 a gallon. Still, it's cheaper than those nasty chemical herbicides, right?

The way around this is to buy 20% vinegar but dilute it in half to make 10%. In other words, if you've got a gallon of 20% vinegar, add a gallon of water to make 10% strength. This diluted version works pretty well; it doesn't deliver the knockout punch of 20%, and you may need to hit stubborn weeds more than once, but it's worth the cost savings, and it's safer to handle at 10% strength as well.