Bradfield Horticultural Vinegar

Bradfield Horticultural Vinegar
Natural Alternative to Round-Up?

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When we first saw Bradfield Horticultural Vinegar we were admittedly skeptical. It was a little hard to believe that an all-natural product could bring weeds and other unwanted plants to their knees. The promise of a natural alternative to "Round-Up" (our words, not theirs) was too good to pass up and we picked up a bottle.

What It Is
According to Bradfield Industries the product is made by the "acetous fermentation of ethyl alcohol containing 20% acetic acid (200 grain food grade vinegar)". Yucca extract, a sticky carbohydrate substance, is added as a natural surfactant (it makes it stick to the plant you want to kill).

How It's Supposed To Work
Rather than poison the plant horticultural vinegar tries to dry it to death. The acidity of the vinegar strips the protective coating off the surface of the target plant. Once stripped of this protection the plant's moisture starts to wick away. This happens from the roots up and within 2-6 hours most plants turn completely brown and shriveled.

We Gave It A Try
It's early in the season but there's always a weed or two just begging for attention. We found a rogue dandelion and gave it a quick squirt of the vinegar. This is a non-selective killer so we were careful to keep it off of nearby plantings. Sure enough, about three hours later the dandelion was starting to wither. By the following morning it was reduced to a dried-up (and dead) version of its former self. Victory!

Worth Noting
The manufacturer offers the following suggestions and guidelines for effective use of this product:

Some plants with thick waxy-coated skins may need a second application within 2 to 4 hours
It is most effective on warm, sunny days. The heat of the mid day sun is best.
Horticultural Vinegar is minimally effective against plants with large root systems such as Bermuda grass, ivies, brush and trees. A top kill will be apparent but most likely these plants will re-sprout in a week or so.

Summary
Bradfield Industries Horticultural Vinegar performed as promised and exceeded our expectations. As parents of small children and gardeners looking for safer ways of getting the job done we are thrilled that this natural alternative to Round-Up and other herbicides is available.

More information on Bradfield Industries can be found at their website:
http://www.bradfieldind.com

Bradfield Horticultural Vinegar Natural Alternative to Round-Up?

Bradfield Horticultural Vinegar
Natural Alternative to Round-Up?