Salt and Weedkiller on your Chips?

I'm not speaking with any authority here but I thought it was illegal to mix up things to make a weedkiller. So using something neat straight out of the bottle like vinegar would be OK (because it's not 'mixed'). Mind you I've never heard of anyone being prosecuted for making their own weedkiller, I wonder if its an urban myth.

 

It looks like its killing off the surface greenery but not getting into the roots. It will weaken it so maybe it will work given enough time.

 

Hi Steve,

They have been trying to kill mare's tail since prehistoric times (the dinosaurs used to stamp on it :hehe.

I haven't yet heard of anyone being completely successful with getting rid of it and I reckon that your white vinegar is only killing the surface part of the weed :(.

Of course, if you are correct about it only being illegal to mix chemicals then you have fallen into that category because the acid is mixed with water :flag:.

Now, for the right price I could let you have some of my glacial acetic acid :D. That is pure - just like me :rotfl: - and undiluted. I still don't think it will kill the roots but the surface weeds will die instantly.

If you can be bothered you might read this:-

http://www.dgsgardening.btinternet.co.uk/weedkill.htm

Gogs

If you end up in jail I would be happy to organise a special trip for GC members to visit you :gnthb:

 

Dai,
In the strict sense of the law you are correct. The section you quote refers to pesticides which also includes herbicides so anything used as a weedkiller comes under that definition.

All laws are open to interpretation and it is the practice of our legal system to allow a wide intepretation of what falls under the relevant Act. I'm sure that it was not intended for the domestic use of otherwise harmless household items to be banned from being used in gardens. It is highly unlikely that the use, in the garden, of salt or vinegar as weedkillers or diluted washing up liquid as an insecticide would result in the prosecution of the householder.

There are too many examples of the overzealous imposition of the word of the law being derided in court for any authority to wish to take out such proceedings. Particularly in the current financial constraints on authorities. Many of these type of prosecutions have resulted in either the case being thrown out of court for wasting the court's time or the imposition of a 1p fine.

You are quite right to point out the legislation, just in case anyone decides to use more harmful chemicals, and to make us aware that we should think before using things indiscriminately. Most definitely, those professional gardeners on GC should be aware of their responsibilities under the law and they should make sure they know what substances have recently been banned. They should check the HSE Chemicals Regulation Directorate Database on pesticides if they are not sure.

Wow! That was a mouthful. :hehe: