Effective Household Products to Get Rid of Virginia Buttonweed

Virginia buttonweed (Diodia virginiana) is a common summer weed that sprawls across lawns and gardens. It is known for its prolific seed production and multiple reproduction methods, making it one of the hardest weeds to control. 

It can tolerate low mowing heights and older plants can exhibit resistance to selective herbicides.  

Fortunately, there are numerous household products that can be effective in managing this persistent weed. 

Here’s a list of household products and application strategies you can consider depending on your lawn size, extent of infestation, and preferences.

1. Vinegar

Applying highly concentrated vinegar to active foliage leads to the rapid breakdown of plant cells, causing them to die. Here’s how you apply vinegar to the weed:

  •  Fill a spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar.
  • Add dish soap for extra adhesion on leaves.
  • On a calm and sunny day, spray the vinegar on the young plants.

Remember, vinegar will damage or kill every plant it comes into contact with, so ensure you spray directly on the weeds. For the best results, use horticultural vinegar, which has a higher concentration of acetic acid than regular kitchen vinegar.

2. Baking Soda

Sprinkle baking soda on the affected area and let it sit for at least 24 hours for the best results
Sprinkle baking soda on the affected area and let it sit for at least 24 hours for the best results. Image: Canva/newlookcasting

Baking soda is a common household product with many uses, including weed control. It creates high-sodium conditions that inhibit growth. Here’s what to do:

  • Wet the plants to allow the baking soda to stick to the leaves.
  • Sprinkle the baking soda on the young weeds.
  • Use a small brush to ensure the weeds are well covered.
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Use sparingly to kill weeds, as excess baking soda can impact soil pH and nearby plant health.

3. Corn Gluten Meal 

Corn meal gluten is an effective pre-emergent herbicide against Virginia buttonweed. When applied in early spring, it will inhibit the germination of the viable weed seeds. Here’s how to apply the product:

  • Spread the baking soda on the weeds
  • Sprinkle some water on the corn gluten meal to activate it
  • Repeat the treatment every 5 to 6 weeks for the best results.

Corn meal gluten does not affect established or mature plants. Therefore, it’s safe to use in different areas, including driveways, gardens, and flowerbeds. 

4. Boiling Water

Boiling water is one of the simplest and most effective ways to kill weeds. The intense heat destroys the plant’s cells, leading to its death. Here’s what you need to do:

  • Put the boiling water in a kettle with a spout
  • Pour the hot water directly on the weeds
  • Repeat the treatment for the best results

Take time to pour enough hot water on the weeds. Remember that the hot water will kill other desirable plants, so it’s best to pour it slowly.

5. Salt

A mixture of salt solution and dish soap can help kill the weed
A mixture of salt solution and dish soap can help kill the weed. Image: Canva/ivandzyuba

Salt is another household product that you can use to control Virginia buttonweed. Typically combined with dish soap for the best results, the mixture, when applied to the weeds, disrupts photosynthesis, killing the plants. Here is how to prepare and apply the mixture:

  • Mix 1 cup of salt and 2 cups of water in a spray bottle
  • Add one tablespoon of dish soap to the mixture
  • Spray on the actively growing foliage
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Take caution with this method, as the salt mixture can harm soil health and nearby plants.

Ways to Prevent Virginia Buttonweed in Your Lawn

Virginia buttonweed is unforgiving. It not only forms unsightly patches on the law, diminishing its appeal, but also reduces the turf’s ability to withstand traffic, pests, and other common stressors. 

The best defense is to prevent them from growing in the first place. Here are proactive measures you can take to keep Virginia buttonweed at bay and enjoy a lush and healthy lawn.

Fertilize and Aerate Your Grass

Fertilize your lawn to provide it with the necessary nutrients to become resilient against Virginia buttonweed. Also, perforate some holes in the soil to allow for better air and nutrient circulation. These measures will boost the turf’s growth and ability to outcompete the weed.

Infrequent Watering

Virginia buttonweed thrives in wet soil, so water your lawn deep but at infrequent intervals. Drying out the soil will discourage growth.

Apply Mulch

Besides adding nutrients and improving soil fertility, mulch blocks sunlight from reaching the viable Virginia buttonweed seeds. Spreading a thick layer of mulch on your grass or garden will prevent weed seed germination or regrowth.