Top 6 Organic & Non-Toxic Weed Killers For A Healthy Yard

Are you looking for a Roundup alternative? Keep your yard and garden weed free with organic and non-toxic weed killer. Conventional weed killer contains harmful chemicals that you don’t want in your backyard. Kid-safe, pet-safe and bee-friendly organic weed killer is the best way to keep your lawn and garden healthy while getting rid of unwanted weeds. It’s easier on the environment too!

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Picture a warm, sunny day – the bees are buzzing and your kids and pets are playing in the backyard, rolling around and running barefoot in the grass. The last thing you want to do is expose them to a pesticide like Roundup. Roundup, whose main active ingredient is glyphosate, has faced significant controversy and multiple legal actions because of its possible health dangers.

I fully understand the frustration of removing weeds- it can feel like a full-time job, and I’ve been there! But the last thing you want to do is spray toxic weed killer all over your yard and expose your pets, kids and beneficial insects like honey bees to harmful chemicals. 

Since weeds hijack nutrients from the soil and crowd out the plants that you actually want in your yard and garden, it’s best to get rid of them. That’s where non-toxic weed killer comes in. It’s not a perfect solution, but you can definitely keep your weeds at bay with natural ingredients.

Are Herbicides And Weed Killers Safe To Use Around Pets and Kids?

The key here is to follow the instructions. Just because something is kid and pet safe does not mean your child or dog should ingest it or roll in it right after application. Keep any weed killer out of reach of children and pets, and apply it when your kids or pets aren’t around. Keep kids and pets out of the space where you sprayed until it is dry- again, follow the instructions on the container. The one exception is corn gluten meal- you can use this with kids and pets in your yard without worrying about it.

Selective Versus Non-Selective Weed Killer

Most organic weed killers are non-selective, meaning they will kill most forms of vegetation, not just the weeds. Be mindful of this with spraying near your prized plants, garden vegetables and grassy green lawn.

Selective weed killer will target broadleaf weeds, like chickweed and clover, but won’t damage your lawn.

How Do Weed Killers Work?

Pre-emergent weed killer: This type of weed killer prevents seeds from sprouting. Pre-emergent weed killer works best if applied in the late winter/early spring before seeds germinate. Pre-emergent weed killer may need to be applied several times a season. Apply only to areas where you don’t want anything to grow, since this weed killer will prevent any seeds, not just noxious weed seeds, from emerging.

Post-emergent weed killer: This type of weed killer works on weeds that have already sprouted and are growing. Apply this weed killer to newly emerging weeds for best results. Weeds that have been growing for a while may be harder to treat and will require several applications.

What Certifications To Look For in Non-Toxic Weed Killer

The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) is a non-profit organization that evaluates and approves products for use in organic farming and gardening. The OMRI certification verifies that a product complies with the organic standards set by the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) or other recognized international organic standards. OMRI is basically the gardeners’ version of the USDA organic certification.

For a product to receive OMRI certification, it must meet strict criteria regarding its ingredients, manufacturing processes, and environmental impact. OMRI evaluates inputs such as fertilizers, pesticides, soil amendments, livestock feed additives, and other materials used in organic production.

The OMRI certification helps consumers make informed choices about the products they use in their organic gardens, promoting transparency and integrity within the organic industry.

*most of the products below are OMRI certified, and I listed certifications under key ingredients.

Tips for Using Non-Toxic Herbicides

  • Read the safety precautions on the product you use and protect yourself with gloves, protective eyewear, a respirator-type mask and long pants/long-sleeved shirt.
  • Check the weather before spraying– don’t spray on a windy day.  It’s also best to use it on sunny days, when plants are dry and actively growing.
  • Treat weeds with organic weed killer when the plants are young (two to five leaves) for best results.
  • Mature weeds with established roots will most likely need 2 or more treatments with organic weed killer.
  • Spray the entire plant, from roots to stem to leaves, with organic weed killer for best results.
  • Always spot-test near sensitive plants and apply carefully if your weeds are in the grass- most weed killers are non-selective, and they will kill your grass along with the weeds
  • Non-toxic herbicides are mostly contact formulas, and while they are great for annual weeds, they are not always effective on deep-rooted perennials unless re-applied.

Are you ready to keep your furry friends and kids safe from toxic weed killers like Roundup? Look below for all of the non-toxic and organic weed killer formulations that I recommend to keep your yard and garden weed free!

Earth’s Ally

Earth’s Ally Weed & Grass Killer
Key Features | Non-selective weed and grass killer. Proven bee safe. OMRI certified.
From the Earth’s Ally website | Powered by sea salt, the Earth’s Ally formula quickly kills common weeds to the root and offers a safer alternative to harsh synthetic chemicals like glyphosate, when used as directed. When used as directed, Earth’s Ally delivers visible results in 3 hours and has been proven to kill weeds to the root, so you won’t end up treating the same weed repeatedly. Safe for people, pets and the planet when used as directed.
Weeds It tackles | Common weeds, including broadleaf, crabgrass, dandelion, clover, ivy, chickweed and many more. This formula is less effective on weeds with woody stems, such as some ivies.
Starts Working | Within 3 hours of application
Active Ingredients | Sodium Chloride (10.00%)
Inert Ingredients | Water, Vinegar, Soap (90.00%)
Sizes | 24 fl. oz. ready-to-use, 1 gal. ready-to-use, 1 gallon concentrate
Shop | Earth’s Ally Weed & Grass Killer, Earth’s Ally Weed & Grass Killer Concentrate, Earth’s Ally 1 Gallon Weed & Grass Killer 

Green Gobbler

Green Gobbler Weed Killer
Key Features | Non-selective weed and grass killer. OMRI listed for organic use.
From the Green Gobbler website | This formula is designed to kill over 250 types of weeds and grasses while prioritizing safety without compromising effectiveness. Crafted from familiar ingredients such as salt, vinegar, and water, it delivers powerful weed control in as little as 3 hours while ensuring your family and pets remain unharmed. It is derived from corn and is biodegradable. Green Gobbler is free of sulphates, bleach, dyes or chloride and does NOT contain glyphosate.
Weeds It tackles | Kills all types of weeds, including dandelions, crabgrass, and other annual and perennial weeds.
Starts Working | Within 3 hours
Active Ingredient | 20% vinegar
Sizes | 32 oz spray, 1 gallon, 5 gallon pail
Shop | Green Gobbler Weed Killer, Green Gobbler 1 Gallon Spray Weed Killer

Sunday

Sunday Weed Warrior Grass & Weed Killer Spray
Key Features | Non-selective weed and grass killer. OMRI listed for organic use.
From the Sunday website | This fast-acting, non-staining organic weed killer comes in convenient spray bottles and kills any unwanted vegetation on contact.
Weeds It tackles | Kills grass, weeds, algae, and moss. It controls annual bluegrass, chickweed, corn spurry, dandelion, groundsel, lamb’s-quarters, large crabgrass, mouse-eared chickweed, mustards, plantain, redroot pigweed, round leaved mallow, sheep sorrel, shepherd’s-purse, stinkweed, thistle, moss, algae, and lichens.
Starts Working | Within 20 minutes
Active Ingredient | Ammoniated soap of fatty acids
Sizes | Sunday Weed Warrior Starter Pack, Sunday Weed Warrior 27 oz Concentrate Refill
Shop | Sunday Weed Warrior Grass & Weed Killer Spray
Shop Dandelion Removal | Sunday Dandelion Doom Spray is a selective weed control product that is safe to use on your lawn, and uses iron to kill dandelions (this particular product is not OMRi certified).
Shop Pre-Emergent  | Sunday Pre-Emergent & Post-Emergent Weed Killer
Shop All | Sunday Weed Killer Solutions

Nature’s Avenger

Nature’s Avenger Weed Killer
Key Features | Non-selective weed and grass killer. OMRI listed for organic use.
From the Nature’s Avenger website | Avenger Weed Killer is an excellent alternative to synthetic, toxic herbicides. Using a natural citrus oil base, d-Limonene, this non-selective herbicide works fast while being safe to children, animals, and the water supply. When applied to weeds, this formula strips off the plant’s waxy cuticle, and dehydrates the weed, killing it down to the root. Weeds with a deep root system may require a second treatment or a stronger concentration.
Weeds It tackles | Broadleaf, Crab Grass, other unwanted weeds
Starts Working | Within hours
Active Ingredients | d-Limonene (citrus oil), Castor Oil
Sizes | 24 oz spray, 32 oz concentrate, 1 gallon concentrate, 2.5 gallon concentrate
Shop | Nature’s Avenger Weed Killer, Nature’s Avenger 1 Gallon Weed Killer Concentrate

Biosafe

Biosafe Weed & Grass killer
Key Features | Non-selective weed and grass killer. OMRI listed for organic use.
From the Biosafe website | This non-selective herbicidal soap works on contact when applied to the leaves and stem of a weed. It works on perennial and annual broadleaf and grass weeds as a control and for burndown suppression. Plants that produce spores, such as liverworts and mosses, will also be controlled. Apply to weeds before they mature and spray plant leaves thoroughly and uniformly.
Weeds It tackles | Bittercress, Chickweed, Liverwort, Mustards, Pigweed, Moneywort, Spurge, Velvet Leaf, Bentgrass, Bluegrass, Crabgrass, Nimblewill, Ryegrass, Bermudagrass, Dandelion, and Ragweed
Starts Working | Within 1-2 hours of application
Active Ingredients | 40% Ammonium Nonanoate herbicidal soap
Size | 1 gallon concentrate
Shop | Biosafe Weed & Grass killer

Espoma Organic Weed Killer

Espoma

Espoma Organic Weed Preventer
Key Features | Selective weed killer, organic, for pre-emergent weeds
From the Espoma website | Espoma Organic Weed Preventer provides long lasting greening that won’t burn. Children and pets can play on the lawn immediately after application. Made from 100% corn gluten meal. For use on established lawns. Do NOT use when seeding a new lawn or over-seeding.
Weeds It tackles | Black medic, black nightshade, buckhorn plantain, catchweed bedstraw, common lambsquaters, curly dock, dandelion, purslane, redroot pigweed, velvetleaf, annual bluegrass, barnyard grass, giant foxtail, green foxtail, large crabgrass, orchardgrass, quackgrass, shattercane, smooth crabgrass, wolly cupgrass, and yellow foxtail.
Active Ingredient | 100% corn gluten meal
Sizes | 6 and 25 pound bags
Shop | Espoma Organic Weed Preventer

Ingredients To Avoid In Weed Killer

Common Safer Ingredients For Weed Killer & How They Work

  • Vinegar (Acetic Acid)- How it works: Vinegar contains acetic acid, which draws moisture out of plant tissues, causing them to dry out and die. It works best on young, tender weeds. You’ll want to use high concentrations (20% or more) to kill weeds. Kitchen vinegar (5%) is not going to work for weeds.
  • Salt (Sodium Chloride)- How it works: Salt dehydrates plants by pulling water out of their cells. Use it as a spot treatment only- it will disrupt the soil balance, preventing any plant from growing where it was applied for a long time.
  • Soap (Dish Soap or Castile Soap)- How it works: Soap breaks down the waxy coatings on leaves, making plants more vulnerable to drying out. It also acts as a surfactant, helping vinegar or other ingredients stick to the plant leaves better.
  • Essential Oils (Clove Oil, Cinnamon Oil, Citric Acid)- How they work: Some essential oils are natural herbicides, and they work to damage plant cells on contact. Citric acid works similarly by breaking down cell membranes.
  • Boiling Water– How it works: Pouring boiling water cooks the plant tissues instantly, killing both the leaves and roots if applied directly and thoroughly.
  • Corn Gluten Meal– How it works: You need to apply this before a plant emerges (pre-emergent), and it only works on annual plants. Corn gluten meal prevents weed seeds from sprouting by inhibiting root formation during germination. Instead of killing existing weeds, it prevents them from sprouting.

DIY Weed Killer Recipe

If you don’t want to head to the store to buy weed killer or you just don’t want to buy another plastic bottle, try making your own non-toxic DIY weed killer formula. Remember, this is not something you want your pets or kids ingesting, even though the formula is “non-toxic”. Please keep it out of reach of children and pets. Here is a simple recipe that actually works.

Ingredients:

  • 1 gallon white vinegar (5% for light weeds, 20% for tough weeds)
  • 1 cup salt (table salt or rock salt)
  • 1 tablespoon dish soap (like Dawn or Castile soap)

Instructions:
Mix the vinegar and salt together until the salt dissolves. Add the dish soap and stir gently. Pour into a spray bottle or garden sprayer. Spray directly onto the leaves of the weeds on a hot, sunny day.

Important: Aim carefully! This will kill any plant it touches — even your grass or garden plants. This formula works best when the weather is dry and sunny, so the weeds dry out faster.

More Backyard & Organic Garden Inspiration

Person with red garden gloves weeding