UK gardeners struggling with invasive English ivy can now banish it permanently using a simple homemade solution made from three common kitchen ingredients. Experts at Drip Works recommend a mixture of apple cider vinegar, salt, and washing-up liquid as an effective natural weedkiller.
To prepare the spray, combine one gallon of apple cider vinegar, one tablespoon of salt, and roughly two tablespoons of washing-up liquid in a spray bottle. Shake well before use. Both apple cider vinegar and white vinegar work, but apple cider vinegar may be more potent due to additional compounds beyond acetic acid.
Before applying, wear gardening gloves, long sleeves, and boots for protection. Thoroughly coat the ivy plants with the solution and leave for at least five days. The mixture draws moisture out of the leaves and breaks down their protective waxy coating.
After five to six days, use garden shears and a pruning saw to remove dead ivy clinging to walls or trees. If any foliage survives, repeat the process until the ivy is completely eliminated. It is essential to physically extract the roots, as even a tiny fragment left behind can cause regrowth.
While ivy provides ecological benefits like shelter for birds and pollination, its uncontrolled spread can damage trees and mortar. This natural method offers a chemical-free alternative for gardeners seeking to control the invasive plant.
