ArcaMax

Weeds.

Those freeloaders of the garden world. No matter how lovingly you tend your tomatoes or fluff your mulch, those green invaders always show up like uninvited houseguests who overstay their welcome -- and bring their cousins.

If you've found yourself muttering on your knees while yanking weeds or reading weed killer labels that sound like chemistry class meets hazard training, you're not alone.

The good news? You don't need toxic sprays or a Ph.D. in environmental science to fight weeds. Here are seven ways to tackle them that are safe, organic, effective -- and won't empty your wallet.

1. BOILING WATER: THE INSTANT KNOCKOUT

Your kettle just became a garden weapon. Pour boiling water directly onto weeds in sidewalk cracks, driveways or gravel paths. It literally cooks the plant down to the roots. Careful, please! Boiling water may not be toxic, but it could be hazardous to yourself and those nearby tulips when mishandled! Cost: free (unless you count electricity).

2. WHITE VINEGAR: NATURE'S WEED ASSASSIN

Make your own weed killer:

-- 1 gallon plain white vinegar (5% acidity)

-- 1 cup ordinary cheap table salt (NOT Epsom Salt!)

-- 1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid, like Blue Dawn

Mix well in a spray bottle or other such vessel, then spray directly on weeds during a hot, sunny day. It dries them out fast, but beware: It kills any greenery it touches. Repeat as necessary. Cost: around $3-$5.

3. MULCH LIKE YOU MEAN IT

Mulch blocks sunlight and keeps weeds from sprouting. Add it thick, especially over cardboard or newspaper for bonus weed-smothering power. Great for garden beds and flower borders. Cost: free to cheap, depending on materials.

4. CORN GLUTEN MEAL: THE PREVENTER

Stops weed seeds from germinating. It won't kill existing weeds, but it's great as a preventative in early spring or late summer.

Heads up: It'll stop grass seed too -- bad timing can backfire. Cost: about $20 per bag.

5. PULL WEEDS AFTER RAIN

Good old-fashioned weeding is easier when the soil is damp. The roots come up with less fight -- and pulling them is oddly satisfying. Cost: Free. Bonus points for stress relief.

6. GRAMPA'S WEEDER

Also known as the Original Stand Up Weed Puller Tool. This is truly awesome for those who would rather not get down on hand and knee: a long-handled weed puller that lets you uproot weeds without bending, kneeling or grumbling.

Outfitted with a simple claw, it grabs the weed's roots, and a simple tilt of the handle pops it right out. Perfect for dandelions, thistles, crabgrass and any tap-rooted menace. Cost: around $40 on Amazon. Built to last generations (hence the name).

7. FLAME WEEDING: FOR THE BOLD

Use a propane torch to zap weeds in hard scapes and gravel paths. A few seconds of heat breaks plant cell walls and sends weeds into the great beyond. Warning: safety first! Only use away from flammable materials, dry grass or mulch. Avoid use on windy days. Cost: $40-$80 for the tool.

8. DIY WEED BARRIER

Forget pricey landscape fabric. Recycle cardboard, newspaper or old cotton sheets under mulch. They block sunlight, suppress weeds and break down to improve your soil. Cost: free (and a good excuse to clean out the linen closet).

FINAL THOUGHTS

You don't need chemicals or a home equity loan to keep your garden in shape. Boil it. Spray it. Smother it. Pull it. Or light it up (carefully). These frugal, natural methods will help you take back control without risking your health or your pet's paws.

And if a weed or two still manages to sneak through? Just call it a reminder that you're gardening with nature, not against it.

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Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/contact/, "Ask Mary." This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book "Debt-Proof Living."

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