Horticultural Vinegars

14 min readJun 18, 2024

Fancy yourself a bit of a green thumb? Then Horticultural Vinegar is a must-have tool for your gardening arsenal! In this roundup, we put the spotlight on the best horticultural vinegar products available, ensuring a healthy, vibrant garden all year round. From pest control to weed removal, our top picks help you keep your garden looking its best without breaking the bank. Dive in and discover the many uses of horticultural vinegar, the ultimate secret weapon for any gardener.

The Top 11 Best Horticultural Vinegars

Eco Garden Pro: Versatile Organic Vinegar Weed Killer for Lawns & Gardens — Eco Garden Pro — Organic Vinegar Weed Killer, a safe and effective solution for kids, pets, and lawns, providing kid-safe, pet-safe, and eco-friendly weed control.
Green Gobbler Organic Weed & Grass Killer with 20% Vinegar — Eliminate stubborn weeds quickly with Green Gobbler’s 20% Vinegar Weed Killer, a glyphosate-free, OMRI-approved choice for organic use that offers fast results and eliminates various broadleaf weeds without harming healthy plants.
Smartly Multipurpose Pickling Vinegar- 128 fl oz — A versatile, non-toxic cleaning solution for various surfaces, Smartly Multipurpose Vinegar is perfect for eliminating stains and providing a multipurpose cleaning experience, just be cautious of the residue and unpleasant scent.
Natural Elements High-Quality 30% Vinegar for Home and Garden — Natural Elements 30% Vinegar — A versatile, eco-friendly, and powerful industrial-strength cleaning solution that replaces hazardous commercial chemicals.
Purple Tree 30% Vinegar, Orange Scent, Large Bottle (128 oz.) — Experience the powerful and eco-friendly cleaning capabilities of Harris 30% Vinegar with Orange Oil Concentrate, perfect for pet owners and those seeking a chemical-free alternative.
Nature’s Wisdom 20% Vinegar Herbicide: Garden Powerhouse — Eliminate unwanted weeds with Nature’s Wisdom 20% Vinegar Herbicide, a powerful and quick-acting organic acid-based contact herbicide for 1-gallon use.
Green Gobbler 20% Horticultural Vinegar Weed Killer — 1 Gallon — Say goodbye to harmful chemicals in your lawn with Green Gobbler’s 20% Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer — a potent, eco-friendly solution that effectively kills weeds and grasses without the unpleasant odor.
Am Leonard’s Horticultural Vinegar Acidifying Agent (1 Gallon Jug) — Boost gardening success with the potent Am Leonard Horticultural Vinegar, featuring 20% acetic acid and yucca extract, perfect for acidifying and eliminating weeds.
Osm 81008201622–2: 55 gal Horticultural Vinegar for Garden Pest Control — Experience a natural and effective weed control with the Osm 81008201622–2 Horticultural Vinegar, a nonselective solution to tackle both desirable and undesirable plants.
OSM Horticultural Vinegar: Versatile 1-Gallon Weed Remover for Greenhouse and Irrigation Use — Efficient and versatile, the OSM Horticultural Vinegar is a must-have for any gardener’s toolkit, offering effective weed removal and easy-to-use application.
Concentrated Industrial Pure Vinegar (1 Gallon) — Experience the power of concentrated vinegar, delivering the strongest horticultural solution for eco-friendly applications.

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Reviews

Eco Garden Pro: Versatile Organic Vinegar Weed Killer for Lawns & Gardens

This eco-friendly weed killer from Eco Living Solutions is a fantastic choice for those who want to maintain a healthy and sustainable garden. With its ready-to-use (RTU) herbicide formula, you’ll notice immediate results within just 24 hours. The versatile solution is perfect for targeting a variety of weed species, including clover, moss, green grass, and poison ivy.

As a bonus, Eco Garden Pro is safe for both kids and pets, making it the ideal choice for families who want a spotless lawn without resorting to harmful chemicals.

Green Gobbler Organic Weed & Grass Killer with 20% Vinegar

I was excited to try the Green Gobbler 20% Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer after hearing all the buzz about its natural and organic properties. I decided to use it on my garden, where I had been struggling with pesky weeds.

I noticed an immediate difference when I sprayed the vinegar weed killer onto the targeted weeds. The sprayer included made the application process easy and efficient. However, I had to take care to avoid areas with healthy grass, as the vinegar weed killer is a non-selective herbicide.

The product truly lived up to its claims, effectively killing crabgrass, white clover, and other broadleaf weeds on contact. Despite the fact that it’s not safe for kids and pets, it’s a great option for those looking to maintain a chemical-free garden.

The one downside was that I needed to reapply the product several times until the roots of the weed were eventually starved to death. However, compared to glyphosate-based products, its organic properties made it a worthwhile investment.

Smartly Multipurpose Pickling Vinegar- 128 fl oz

I once tried this multipurpose vinegar, and it was an essential part of my daily cleaning routine. While it didn’t have the best scent, it certainly did the job of cleaning and removing stains. However, I noticed it left a slightly sticky residue on some surfaces, and some of the cleaning solutions I tried with it didn’t work as well as I expected.

One thing I loved about this product was its versatility. I could use it for everything from cleaning the kitchen counter to washing my clothes in the laundry. And because it was concentrated, I didn’t have to worry about running out of cleaning solution any time soon.

But the downside of this product was the price. It seemed to fluctuate depending on the time of the year, and I found myself paying more for the same product. And while the product itself had a short shelf life, it was still a bit difficult to use. Overall, the multipurpose vinegar was a good cleaner, but it could be better if it had a longer shelf life and a more consistent price.

Natural Elements High-Quality 30% Vinegar for Home and Garden

This Natural Elements 30% Vinegar solution proves to be a powerful cleaning ally for both indoor and outdoor use. Its industrial-strength formula is 6 times stronger than store-bought vinegar, which makes it a perfect replacement for harsh and hazardous chemicals.

With a wide range of applications, it excels in removing hard water deposits, cleaning rust from tools, and freshening up grout. Plus, it’s an eco-friendly solution that works well in tackling various stains around the house or on the go.

The large one-gallon size ensures cost-effectiveness and is ideal for those who need to use vinegar in large quantities. However, users should dilute it according to their specific cleaning tasks to avoid any damages.

Overall, the Natural Elements 30% Vinegar is a must-have for your cleaning arsenal.

Purple Tree 30% Vinegar, Orange Scent, Large Bottle (128 oz.)

Harris 30% Vinegar with Orange Oil Concentrate Dog Cleaner is a versatile cleaning solution that can be used in numerous ways around the home. Its concentrated formula makes it an excellent alternative to expensive commercial cleaning products. The pleasing orange scent helps neutralize lingering odors while its powerful nature allows it to effectively clean patios, driveways, laundry, and more. With no harmful dyes or chemicals added, this cleaning solution is not only eco-friendly but also promotes plant health.

My personal experience with Harris 30% Vinegar with Orange Oil Concentrate Dog Cleaner has been mixed. I love the fact that it comes in a large 128 oz bottle, suitable for numerous applications, and the orange scent adds a pleasant touch to my household cleaning. The fact that this product can be diluted to suit various surfaces is a great bonus. However, the scent can be quite pungent, which might not appeal to everyone. Additionally, while it may work wonders on cleaning your laundry and patios, I noticed some residue left behind on the laundry, making it less than ideal for this purpose.

Overall, the Harris 30% Vinegar with Orange Oil Concentrate Dog Cleaner is an effective and eco-friendly cleaning solution for a variety of surfaces. Its powerful concentration and versatility make it a great option for those looking to reduce their use of harmful chemicals in the home. Just be aware that the strong scent might not be to everyone’s liking, and some residue may be left behind in certain applications.

Nature’s Wisdom 20% Vinegar Herbicide: Garden Powerhouse

Say goodbye to pesky weeds with Nature’s Wisdom 20% Vinegar Herbicide, a game-changer in the horticulture world. This contact herbicide is made from a non-selective powerful 20% vinegar solution, making it an eco-friendly option for eliminating unwanted growth.

And, since the residues decompose quickly in soil, you can rest assured that this vinegar is not leaving any unwanted chemical footprint behind. With a 1-gallon container, this potent herbicide is perfect for tackling any weedy problem, large or small.

Green Gobbler 20% Horticultural Vinegar Weed Killer — 1 Gallon

I’ve been testing out Green Gobbler’s 20% Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer for a while now and have to say — it’s been a pretty interesting journey. I started using it in the smaller patches of my yard, like the ones around my driveway where weeds seemed to have a particular fondness for growing in cracks. It took a few rounds to whip those weeds into shape, but eventually, they were all gone, leaving behind a nice, clean-looking space.

But when I tried using it in larger patches, things didn’t go so smoothly. The spray handle that comes with the product felt really hard on my hands after just a few minutes of use, so I swapped it out for a proper pump sprayer. This worked wonders and sped up the process, although I would still be careful about the amount of vinegar you apply at once. It’s best to target the base of the weeds you want to kill for maximum effectiveness.

Oh, and let’s not forget about the olfactory experience. The vinegar smell was really strong, but after a few days, it started to dissipate, leaving behind a more pleasant freshness. It’s also good to have this one around if you have pets, as some other weed killers can be quite toxic for them.

In conclusion, if you’re after a product that’s a safer alternative to commercial weed killers, this one might just be the ticket. It’s not perfect, but it sure does work better than some of its competitors. Just be prepared for some elbow grease (or wrist, in this case) and patience, and you’ll see those pesky weeds disappear in no time.

Am Leonard’s Horticultural Vinegar Acidifying Agent (1 Gallon Jug)

I recently discovered the Am Leonard’s Horticultural Vinegar Acidifying Agent in a 1-gallon jug, and it has been a game-changer in my garden maintenance routine. The horticultural vinegar contains a whopping 20% acetic acid, which is double the standard shelf vinegar’s 5% acetic acid. This non-toxic treatment also boasts yucca extract, a natural surfactant that enhances the product’s overall performance.

Using this horticultural vinegar as an acidifying agent has been incredibly effective in tackling various tasks around the garden. What I really appreciate is its ready-to-use, concentrated formula that eliminates the hassle of mixing or diluting. However, on hot days, I’ve found that mixing it 1 part vinegar to 1 part water when spraying weeds provides better results.

At first, I was skeptical about its effectiveness compared to other vinegars on the market, but upon using it, I realized the benefits that the yucca extract provides. Overall, this horticultural vinegar has become a staple in my gardening arsenal, and I can’t imagine going back to using regular vinegar for these tasks again.

Osm 81008201622–2: 55 gal Horticultural Vinegar for Garden Pest Control

This horticultural vinegar offers a practical solution for weed control, effectively eliminating both desirable and undesirable plants without the use of harsh chemicals. With a 55-gallon container size, it covers a vast area, ranging from 261,360 to 784,080 square feet, making it an eco-friendly and efficient choice for your gardening needs. The 20% acetic acid content ensures a reliable and powerful performance.

The product comes in a ready-to-use format, simplifying its application process, and with a maximum coverage area of 784,080 square feet, it’s perfect for large gardens or commercial use. Users praise the fast delivery and excellent customer service, making this horticultural vinegar a top pick for weed control and environmental care.

OSM Horticultural Vinegar: Versatile 1-Gallon Weed Remover for Greenhouse and Irrigation Use

The OSM horticulture vinegar has become an essential part of my gardening arsenal. When faced with undesirable plants or stubborn weeds, I can confidently rely on this versatile solution. The 20% acetic acid content not only guarantees effectiveness but also works as a natural alternative to harmful chemicals.

The convenient sprayer top on the 1-gallon jug makes it a breeze to apply, providing a wide coverage area ranging from 4,800 to 14,500 square feet. Moreover, the horticulture vinegar can be used on various surfaces, including brick, stone, and glass, as well as in greenhouses and solariums.

However, I’ve noticed that the vinegar can sometimes evaporate quickly, which might require repeat applications on certain plants. Despite this minor inconvenience, I would still highly recommend the OSM horticulture vinegar for its ease of use and effectiveness.

Concentrated Industrial Pure Vinegar (1 Gallon)

Imagine walking into your garden and seeing weeds popping up left and right, threatening to take over your beautiful plants. That’s where this 45% pure vinegar comes in handy. It’s a concentrated industrial-grade vinegar that you can dilute with water to create a powerful weed killer that’s safe for the environment, unlike those harsh chemicals that could harm your beloved flora and fauna.

On a sunny day, I stepped outside, ready to take on those stubborn weeds. I poured the concentrated vinegar into a water bottle sprayer and headed outside, not forgetting to wear safety gear to protect myself from its intense smell and caustic properties. I sprayed the undiluted vinegar on the weeds, watching them wilt and brown within minutes. The power of this vinegar astounded me — I could see the difference as I walked around my garden, the weeds vanishing before my eyes.

However, there was a downside. Despite the product’s concentration, the bottle had a leak, which led to a vinegar-scented experience for the next few hours. Aside from that, the pure vinegar did its job, and I was amazed at how effective it was.

In conclusion, the 45% pure vinegar is an environmentally-friendly solution for killing weeds and unwanted vegetation. It’s a strong, concentrated formula that packs a punch when it comes to killing weeds, but be prepared for its strong smell and the need to take precautions when handling it. It’s worth noting that it’s made in the United States and is a more affordable alternative to household vinegar.

Buyer’s Guide

Horticultural vinegar is a versatile and eco-friendly product, perfect for managing weeds, keeping plants healthy, and fostering sustainable gardening practices. In this buyer’s guide, we’ll explore the essential features, considerations, and general advice for horticultural vinegar, helping you make an informed decision when selecting the best product for your needs.

Common Uses of Horticultural Vinegar

Horticultural vinegar, also known as garden vinegar, has a range of applications that cater to various gardening tasks. Some common uses include:

controlling weeds by desiccating their foliage, 2) killing aphids and other pests, 3) acting as a broad-spectrum fungicide, 4) preparing plant-based composts, and 5) amending soil structure and promoting plant growth. It is essential to understand these applications when selecting a horticultural vinegar for your garden.

Environmental Impact

One of the primary attractions of horticultural vinegar is its environmentally friendly nature. As a non-chemical alternative to traditional pesticides and herbicides, it is a sustainable choice for gardeners seeking an eco-friendly solution. However, it is crucial to use it responsibly, following the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid harming beneficial plants and insects in your garden. Additionally, consider your local climate and soil conditions when determining the appropriate application rate.

Effectiveness and Safety

When purchasing horticultural vinegar, consider its effectiveness by checking the concentration of acetic acid it contains. Generally, concentrations between 10% and 20% are effective for most gardening purposes. However, higher concentrations may cause skin irritation or pose a hazard to animals, so ensure you select a product with a safe acetic acid level. Additionally, always wear protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection, when handling and applying the vinegar.

Brand Reputation and Consumer Reviews

Before making a purchase, it’s wise to research a brand’s reputation and consumer reviews. A reputable brand will typically provide a high-quality, effective product backed by positive customer experiences. Online forums, gardening blogs, and retail websites often host reviews and ratings that can help you make an informed decision.

FAQ

What is Horticultural Vinegar?

Horticultural vinegar is a specialized type of vinegar used for gardening and horticultural purposes. It is made from a combination of natural ingredients, such as acetic acid, water, and herbs, which make it ideal for weed control, pest management, and maintaining plant health. Its popularity has increased in recent years as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic chemicals.

Unlike regular white vinegar, horticultural vinegar often comes in different concentrations, depending on the manufacturer. Some products may contain up to 20% acetic acid, while others only have 1–6%. The higher the concentration, the more effective the vinegar is in controlling weeds and pests, but it can be harsher on plants. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and mixing instructions.

What are the benefits of using Horticultural Vinegar in gardening?

Horticultural vinegar offers several benefits for gardening, including weed control, insect management, and plant health maintenance. By targeting specific areas and pests, you can save time and money compared to traditional chemical methods. The vinegar’s active ingredients also break down and enrich the soil over time, helping to improve its fertility and structure. Some products may also offer additional benefits, such as essential oils that repel insects or help maintain plant vigor.

Many gardeners find horticultural vinegar to be a versatile and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic chemicals. It is generally non-toxic to humans and pets, and its natural ingredients work in harmony with the environment, promoting sustainable gardening practices. Additionally, horticultural vinegar is often less expensive and easier to store than other chemical treatments.

What are some common applications of Horticultural Vinegar in gardening?

Horticultural vinegar can be used for various purposes in gardening. Some common applications include: spraying on weeds to kill them off, applying to the base of trees and shrubs to prevent insect infestations, and diluting for use as a foliar feed to improve plant health and resistance. Additionally, many products can be mixed with other organic compounds or plant extracts to enhance their effectiveness in controlling specific types of pests or diseases.

When using horticultural vinegar, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and test its effects on your plants before applying it in large quantities. Some species may be more sensitive to vinegar than others, and overuse can damage beneficial microorganisms in the soil. Always apply the vinegar at the recommended rate, preferably in the morning when plants are more active, and protect non-target plants with a physical barrier, such as a plastic sheeting or cardboard.

What are some safety precautions when handling and using Horticultural Vinegar?

To ensure your safety and the health of your plants when using horticultural vinegar, follow these safety precautions: wear gloves, eye protection, and long sleeves to protect your skin and eyes; always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and label warnings; avoid inhaling the vinegar’s fumes or getting it in your eyes or mouth; store the product in a secure, dry place away from children and pets; and always mix diluted vinegar with water to achieve the optimal ratio for the intended use.

In case of accidental spillage or exposure, wash the affected area with soap and water immediately. If you experience skin irritation, stop using the vinegar and consult a healthcare professional. Remember that horticultural vinegar should not be mixed with any other product without proper guidance from the manufacturer, as it can lead to harmful chemical reactions.

Are there any side effects or health risks associated with using Horticultural Vinegar?

Horticultural vinegar is generally safe for use in gardening as long as it is not inhaled, ingested, or comes into contact with the skin or eyes. However, some people may experience mild irritation or allergic reactions to the vinegar’s components. If you have sensitive skin or a history of allergic reactions to vinegars or any other plant-based product, you should proceed with caution and perform a patch test before applying the vinegar to a larger area.

Never ingest horticultural vinegar, as it can cause symptoms such as throat irritation, nausea, and stomach pain. In case of accidental ingestion, seek immediate medical attention. Additionally, when applying the vinegar to your plants or garden, ensure proper ventilation to avoid inhaling the fumes, especially in confined spaces or when using the vinegar at its maximum recommended concentration.

What are some common misconceptions about Horticultural Vinegar?

One common misconception about horticultural vinegar is that it can be used as a universal alternative to all chemical treatments. While the vinegar is effective for many gardening tasks, it may not be the best solution for every situation or plant species. Some chemicals or treatments may be more effective against certain types of pests or diseases, and it’s essential to research and choose the appropriate method based on your specific needs.

Another misconception is that horticultural vinegar has no smell or odor. This is untrue, as the vinegar’s components often produce a strong, pungent aroma. While this odor can be effective in repelling insects or deterring pests, it may not be suitable for all gardening environments or situations. In such cases, a different pest control method may be more appropriate.