Weeds are any gardener’s worst nightmare. Every so often, weeds will sporadically sprout in your lawn, and it seems no matter what you try, they will find their way back to your garden. Weeds not only interfere with the ambiance and design of your garden, but they also compete for nutrients with your plants.
Without proper and timely garden care, weeds can get out of control and eventually starve your plants by taking up most of the nutrients. In order to effectively keep weeds at bay, gardeners try all sorts of techniques, equipment, and solutions.
One solution that has long been taunted as a weed killer is gasoline. That’s right; some gardeners use gas for more than just their vehicles. But, does gas kill weeds? If so, just how effective is it, and should you rush out to buy gas to kill those stubborn weeds? Read on to learn more about killing weeds with gas.
Does gas kill weeds?
The question of using gasoline to kill weeds has been around for quite some time. Granted, the internet may have given it more traction, but accounts of using gasoline to kill weeds can be traced several decades back.
But does it really work? The simple answer is yes, gas does kill weeds. However, before you turn to gasoline as your go-to weed killer, there are quite a number of factors to consider. Perhaps the most important of these factors is the extent of gasoline’s effectiveness.
You see, gas will kill weeds in your garden. However, it will also kill all your other plants. Gas is a toxin to all plants, and it will kill any plant it comes into contact with. This means it will eliminate all your weeds alongside your flowers and other garden crops.
If you’re keen on using gas to kill weeds in your garden, it’s important for you to know when and where to apply. But, even so, there’s really no guarantee you won’t end up ruining your entire lawn or garden.
Another factor to consider is the effect of gasoline on insects. When applied, gas will kill all insects in the garden. In this respect, there are two ways to look at this fact. Firstly, gas will kill pests that feast on your plants and flowers. However, it will also kill beneficial insects and microbes that positively affect your garden.
Does gas permanently kill weeds?
As already established, gasoline is an effective weed killer. However, like in most other cases, the effects are not permanent. While gas will kill the leaves, stems, and roots, it has little to no effect on the weeds’ seeds.
When you spray gas on your lawn, it will penetrate deep into the soil. However, it will gradually reduce, and when this happens, the seeds will germinate and birth a new generation of weeds. If you wish to use gas to kill weeds in your garden, you’ll have to spray it at least every season for the best results. Of course, this means you’ll kill the weeds and your plants season in season out.
How do you kill weeds with gasoline?
If you’re still adamant about using gas to kill weeds on your lawn, you’ll need a spray bottle with a direct spray nozzle and a gas jerrycan.
1. Buy around 2 gallons of gasoline from your local gas station. This is enough gas to use on the typical lawn size.
2. Carefully pour the gas into the spray bottle. Wear a mask while pouring and spraying to protect yourself. Gas is extremely flammable, so ensure you do this away from sparks or open flames. Since gas dissolves rather quickly, it could easily catch fire and explode, leading to dire consequences.
3. Finally, spray the gas on the weeds you wish to kill. Try and spray directly on the weed’s roots, stems, and leaves for maximum effect. You can also spray the ground around the weeds to ensure every weed is fully covered in gas.
Conclusion
Ultimately, this is a preference question. Some gardeners will still insist on using gas to kill weeds, while others will try other options. If you opt for gas, ensure you understand the risks involved and the effect this will have on your garden, plants, soil, and overall atmosphere.