Naturally Kill Crabgrass Without the Use of Chemicals

Despite its name, crabgrass isn't really grass at all, but a vicious weed that can take over your whole lawn. This annual weed starts as a little green seedling, which quickly grows bigger and thicker until you have clumps of unsightly crabgrass all over your lawn and gardens. To know whether or not the pest you have is actually crabgrass, view this crabgrass picture gallery here. To get rid of crabgrass, you have several options. Since chemicals on your lawn can be dangerous, especially to kids and pets, this article will show you how to kill crabgrass naturally without chemicals.

Be Proactive
Since crabgrass is an annual weed, heading off the crabgrass before it takes root is the best defense. In early fall, after the first frost, spread more turf seed than usual so that crabgrass doesn't have a lot of places to grow. Since the first frost usually kills off crabgrass, after you seed, fertilize well to allow the seed to take root. Water the seed more infrequently and more thoroughly; allowing the soil to dry between watering makes it harder for the crabgrass to germinate. This type of watering also allows the turf grass to grow more deep roots, keeping crabgrass out. When mowing, use the highest blade setting; the higher turf grass will soak up the sun, making it harder for the crabgrass to take root and grow. Taking these early steps will help you get rid of crabgrass before it starts.

Knife or V-Shaped Weeding Tool
While this method might seem time-consuming depending on how much crabgrass you have to get rid of, you can kill crabgrass without chemicals with this simple method for fully-grown crabgrass. Put on a pair of gardening gloves and, using a serrated knife or v-shaped weeding tool, pull up the clumps of crabgrass by the roots one at a time. When you are done, you may need to apply grass seed to the affected areas, since many times the clumps of crabgrass choke out the naturally-growing grass.

Corn Gluten Meal
Corn gluten meal is a non-toxic pre-emergent herbicide. To kill crabgrass naturally, apply the CGM in early spring, before crabgrass begins to germinate. The CGM prevents the germination of crabgrass, but doesn't hurt the existing turf. In fact, CGM acts as a nitrogen-based fertilizer, helping your lawn get green for spring.

Vinegar
Household vinegar you get at the grocery store is only 5% strength, so while it can work as an organic weed-killer, the best to use is vinegar at 20% strength, which is sold in farm supply and other specialty stores. While you must be careful to not let it in contact with your skin as the high concentration can burn, it is 100% safe, natural and organic to use on your lawn. Simply spray the vinegar on the clumps of crabgrass to kill it and remove it once it's dead. The one caveat to this method is that the vinegar will kill your natural lawn and other plants as well, so spray it carefully or only on areas that contain crabgrass. You will also need to bulk up the soil with nutrients once you kill it to grow regular grass or other plants, as it changes the pH level of the soil.

Baking Soda
Many people swear by this simple, yet effective method. To kill crabgrass without chemicals, simply sprinkle a light dusting of baking soda on your crabgrass. To do this, you can sprinkle it right out of the box, but for the light dusting you want to achieve, an easier method is to use a sifter or even a sock filled with baking soda. Dust only the crabgrass, and in 24 to 48 hours, your crabgrass should turn brown or black and die. Simply pull it out and spread grass turf seed on the bare patches.

Sources:
garden-counselor-lawn-care.com
ehow.com
gardenguides.com
en.allexperts.com