How can vinegar affect plant growth

The acetic acid found in vinegar is the most harmful element to plants. Repeated use on young, actively growing annuals can cause more damage, even preventing the weeds from establishing roots and setting seeds that allow them to self-sow for their next growth cycle. Vinegar can lower the pH of soil and prevent plants from growing. Low pH levels are not suitable for the growth of many plants. The acidity of household vinegar, with about 5 percent acetic acid, is not strong to cause lasting damage to the soil, and the soil should return to normal pH levels after a few days.

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What can I spray on my tomato plants to keep bugs away? Can I spray my tomato plants with soapy water? Should I mist tomato plants? Previous Article What is a screen test in acting? Next Article What is the difference between film acting and stage acting? If the offensive weeds have not advanced past the sprout stage, spraying with household vinegar may do away with them, although more than one application might be necessary.

An advantage to using vinegar concentrates rather than chemical weed killers is that the only plants they damage are those with coated foliage, so nearby underground bulbs or tree roots will not be harmed. Within 24 hours after spraying, any remaining vinegar will have evaporated, so it is then safe to plant even delicate seedlings in the area treated.

Vinegar-based products may be applied either as contact herbicides, sprayed directly on unwanted plants, or, less frequently, as a soil drench, sinking into the ground surrounding them. Vinegar and acetic acid can reportedly stain concrete, as well as some types of stone, so do not spray close to driveways, walkways or patios.

Vinegar-based herbicides work best when the weather is warm and dry, the temperature rises above 65 degrees Fahrenheit and it' sunny. If forecasters predict rain or you plan to water shortly, do not spray, because the solution could be washed off the plants. This could result not only in failure to kill the weeds but might actually benefit them by the release of nitrogen and other nutrients into the soil. If vinegar concentrates are added to the soil instead of being sprayed onto plant foliage, they kill weeds by lowering the soil pH to a level that cannot sustain the plants.