Safer, Smarter Gardening: What to Use Instead of Roundup
Roundup has been the go-to weed killer for decades. If you ask around, most people will tell you it’s what you “need” to keep weeds under control. It’s fast. It’s everywhere. And it’s marketed like it’s the gold standard.
But here’s the thing no one wants to admit:
It comes at a cost.
A growing number of studies and lawsuits have linked Roundup to serious health concerns—including cancer—and its impact on the environment and your soil isn’t great either.
So let’s talk about why it’s time to ditch Roundup for good—and what you can use instead that actually works and keeps your garden (and your family) safe.
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What’s So Bad About Roundup?
Roundup is the brand name of a popular weed killer made by Bayer (formerly Monsanto), and its active ingredient is glyphosate. It works by killing plants down to the root, which sounds great if you’re trying to tackle a patch of crabgrass—but here’s the catch.
Glyphosate Has Been Linked to Cancer
The World Health Organization classified glyphosate as a “probable human carcinogen.” Several lawsuits against Bayer have resulted in multi-million dollar settlements from people who developed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma after long-term exposure. While Bayer continues to defend the safety of Roundup, these cases raise serious red flags.
It Hurts More Than Just Weeds
Glyphosate doesn’t discriminate. It can:
Harm beneficial soil microbes, making your garden less resilient.
Contaminate waterways, impacting fish, frogs, and aquatic life.
Damage pollinators like bees and butterflies if it drifts onto nearby plants.
In short: what’s meant to help your garden might actually be weakening it from the ground up.
It’s Not Just “Outside”
Residues of glyphosate have been found in food, rainwater, and even in human urine. Yikes. That’s not exactly something I want near my vegetables or around my kids and pets.
How Long Does Roundup Stick Around?
One of the most surprising things I learned? Glyphosate (the active ingredient in Roundup) can stay in your soil for up to a year. That means even if you stop using it today, it could still affect your soil health—and your plants—months later.
Even though companies often claim glyphosate “binds to soil” and breaks down quickly, studies have shown residues can linger for six months to a year depending on the climate, soil type, and how much was used.
Better (and Safer!) Alternatives
Good news: you don’t have to choose between weeds and your well-being. Here are some effective alternatives to Roundup that are beginner-friendly and actually support a healthy garden:
1. Boiling Water
Yep—just plain boiling water. Pour it directly on weeds growing in cracks or unwanted spots. It kills them fast, roots and all. It’s especially great for sidewalks, driveways, and gravel paths.
Best for: Pavement weeds, small areas
Avoid near: Desirable plants—boiling water isn’t picky.
2. Vinegar + Salt + Dish Soap Spray
Mix:
1 gallon white vinegar
1 cup salt
1 tablespoon dish soap
Spray directly onto weeds on a sunny day. The vinegar dries them out, the salt prevents regrowth, and the soap helps it stick. This method is very effective and does a good job, I use this method frequently.
Best for: Annual weeds, driveway cracks
Avoid using: near veggies or desirable plants—it can harm soil over time.
3. Solarization
Cover a weedy area with clear plastic sheeting during hot summer months. The sun "bakes" the weeds, seeds, and pathogens in the soil.
Best for: Clearing large patches for a new garden bed
Plan ahead: Takes 4–6 weeks for best results
4. Corn Gluten Meal
This natural byproduct of corn processing acts as a pre-emergent herbicide, preventing weed seeds from sprouting. It won’t kill existing weeds, but it’s a great preventative option.
Best for: Lawns and garden beds in early spring
Tip: Wait until your desired plants are established before applying.
5. Cover Crops / Living Mulch
In between growing seasons, plant cover crops like clover, rye, or buckwheat. They outcompete weeds, fix nitrogen in the soil, and improve soil structure.
Best for: Veggie gardens in fall or spring
Added bonus: Can be tilled in as green manure
6. Flame Weeder
If you’re feeling bold (and careful!), a flame weeder uses propane to quickly torch weeds. It’s surprisingly fun and effective when used responsibly. I watched as my neighbor rehabbed his lawn this way and while you have to be very careful his lawn was nice and lush and green later.
Best for: Gravel areas, walkways, fence lines
Avoid: During dry conditions—fire safety first!
7. Manual Tools (Yes, Really)
Sometimes the old-fashioned way is the most effective. A good hori-hori knife, stirrup hoe, or weed puller can make the job faster and more satisfying than you think. There's something so fulfilling about pulling out a massive weed by its roots—it always brings a big smile to my face knowing I got the whole thing.
Best for: Garden beds, raised beds, anywhere you want to be precise
Bonus: Get your steps in while protecting your garden!
Grampa’s Weeder is a favorite of mine. Check out my full review here.
8. Mulch Like a Pro
Cover bare soil with wood chips, straw, cardboard, or newspaper. Mulch blocks sunlight, which prevents weed seeds from sprouting—and it looks neat and tidy, too!
Best for: Flower beds, veggie gardens, pathways
Bonus: It helps retain moisture and improves soil health.
A Quick Word of Caution: Spot-Treat Only
Whether you're using boiling water, vinegar spray, or organic herbicides, keep in mind that these methods aren’t selective. That means they’ll kill any plant they touch—not just the weeds.
Don’t spray them on your lawn or near your favorite flowers or veggies.
Treat only the weeds you want to get rid of, and apply carefully—especially on windy days when drift can be a problem.
A good rule of thumb? Think of these options like a weed sniper, not a weed bomb. Use them for driveway cracks, along fence lines, or in areas where you’re not growing anything else.
Prevention Is the Real Secret
Weed control becomes way easier when you get ahead of the problem. Here’s how:
Keep your soil healthy: Healthy soil grows stronger plants that outcompete weeds.
Plant densely: Use groundcovers or closely spaced plants to shade out weed seedlings.
Water wisely: Drip irrigation delivers water right to your plants—not to weed seeds.
Let’s Garden Smarter, Not Harder
Gardening should be something that nourishes you—not something that quietly puts your health or your soil at risk. If you’ve been relying on Roundup because it seemed like the only option, I hope this post gives you the freedom to rethink that.
You don’t need harsh chemicals to grow something beautiful. There are safer, smarter ways to tackle weeds—methods that protect your garden, your family, and the planet we all share.
It might take a little more intention at first, but trust me: once you make the switch, you’ll never look back.
Your garden—and your body—deserve better.
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