Garden Guru Reveals Surprising White Vinegar Hacks for Pest Control, Weeding, and Plant Health

A recent online video by gardening enthusiast 'Gardening with Ish' has highlighted the surprising versatility of white vinegar as a gardening aid. The video, uploaded on September 27, 2025, showcases several practical applications for the common household item, which costs as little as 35p. The presenter demonstrated how a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water can act as a natural repellent for pests such as ants, mealybugs, and even cats when sprayed around garden borders. "The smell for ants and mealybugs destroys the pheromone trail, meaning they get a little bit confused and go elsewhere, and cats absolutely detest the smell," the presenter explained. He advised against spraying directly onto plants. Another tip involved creating a homemade weed spray by combining salt, a drop of washing-up liquid, and white vinegar in an old spray bottle. This mixture, when applied directly to foliage, is shown to yield results within hours. For rusty gardening tools, the video suggested soaking them overnight in white vinegar to break down rust, restoring them to a 'good as new' condition. Additionally, white vinegar was presented as a solution for fungal infections and powdery mildew on plants. A mixture of just under a tablespoon of vinegar per litre of water, sprayed once a week, can disrupt the pH of the fungal infection, making the environment inhospitable for its growth. The presenter cautioned against overuse, stating that "too much vinegar is not great for your plants." Finally, the video mentioned that adding a small amount of white vinegar to water can help keep cut flowers looking fresher for longer. The creator encouraged viewers to explore the many uses of white vinegar in their gardens, emphasizing its accessibility and effectiveness.