We’ve been told for years that glyphosate is the only practical way to manage weeds.
That it’s cheap, easy, and essential. But if that’s true, why are more New Zealand growers quietly walking away from it—and succeeding?
It turns out there’s a growing movement of people ditching the spray can and turning back to the land, the seasons, and proven natural systems. They’re not waiting for a government ban or a corporate solution. They’re already doing it. And it’s working.
Why Walk Away from Glyphosate?
Glyphosate may be the most commonly used weedkiller in the world—but it’s far from harmless. Concerns around health risks, environmental impacts, and chemical residues in food are only part of the picture.
There’s also the issue of dependency. Once you start relying on glyphosate to solve all your weed problems, it quickly becomes your only solution. And that means every spray becomes a habit—not a choice.
But what if there’s another way? A better way?
Five Organic Weed Control Methods That Work in NZ
Inspired by a practical New Zealand guide from Our Way of Life, here’s a closer look at five proven techniques local growers are using to control weeds—no glyphosate required.
1. Cover Cropping
What it is:
Planting fast-growing crops (like buckwheat, oats, mustard, or phacelia) between growing seasons or alongside main crops to outcompete weeds.
Why it works:
Cover crops shade out weeds, smothering them before they can take hold. They also improve soil structure, add organic matter, and reduce erosion.
NZ examples:
In South Canterbury, growers cultivating Pure New Zealand Buckwheat report strong weed suppression and improved soil health. A FAR “Comparing Cover Crops in Organic Farming” trial in Mid‑Canterbury found strong biomass growth in buckwheat treatments, contributing to nutrient retention and weed suppression
2. Flame Weeding
What it is:
Passing a flame over the soil surface to rupture the cells of small weeds. Often done just before crop emergence or after rainfall when weeds are vulnerable.
Why it works:
It’s chemical-free, fast, and ideal for pre-emergence control. Works especially well in organic systems or on high-value crops.
NZ note:
Used on a small scale in New Zealand by market gardeners and lifestyle blocks—particularly effective in loose soils like those around Gisborne or Northland.
3. Tine Weeding (A Specific Type of Mechanical Cultivation)
What it is:
Using spring-tine harrows or flexible metal tines to disturb the soil surface, uprooting or burying small weeds without pulling on crop roots.
Why it works:
Tine weeding is gentler than heavy cultivation and perfect for early-stage weeding in cereals or organic wheat. It disturbs weed seedlings just enough to give crops a competitive edge.
NZ Evidence:
A Lincoln University trial in Canterbury found that two timely passes with a tine weeder in organic wheat fields cut weed biomass by up to 93% when done at the seedling stage .
4. Mulching
What it is:
Applying organic matter—straw, hay, woodchips, or leaf litter—over soil to block light and suppress weeds.
Why it works:
Mulching not only controls weeds but also retains moisture, feeds soil life, and buffers soil temperature.
NZ example:
Wellington-area gardeners and food forests have embraced deep woodchip mulching around fruit trees and vegetable beds. As Kath Irvine of Edible Backyard writes, “woodchip (for fruit trees)… is fab” and helps maintain healthy living mulch while reducing the need for weeding and watering throughout the season.
The Genius of Living Mulch – Edible Backyard
5. Vinegar-Based Sprays
What it is:
Using high-strength acetic acid (vinegar) to burn off weeds—especially in cracks, edges, and tight spaces.
Why it works:
Best for spot treatments and small-scale control. Works on young weeds and pathways.
Caution:
Not all vinegars are created equal. Household vinegar (5%) is too weak—stronger horticultural vinegars (~10–20%) are required for results, and care must be taken to avoid damage to desirable plants or soil life.
Tried-and-Tested Glyphosate-Free Products in New Zealand
These products are already available locally—and we’ve reviewed them in detail on the site:
- Weed Blast (Green Kiwi): A fatty-acid-based spray made in NewZealand. Works fast, ideal for broadleaf weeds, moss, and lichen. Pet- and pollinator-safe.
- Slasher Organic Weedkiller: Certified BioGro organic. Contains pelargonic acid and orange oil. Visible results within hours and suitable for use around food crops.
- Contact Organics Weed Terminator: Uses natural acids and oils to deliver effective control without toxic residues. A promising alternative for larger scale use.
We’ll be featuring more glyphosate-free products as they come to our attention.
So, Why Aren’t We Doing This Already?
Old habits die hard—and the glyphosate habit runs deep.
For years, farmers and growers have been told that alternative methods are too slow, too expensive, or too risky. But that’s starting to change. As more people question the long-term safety of glyphosate—and see the benefits of soil health-focused methods—they’re discovering that glyphosate isn’t just harmful. It’s unnecessary.
And while not every method is suited to every context, these five approaches (plus the growing product lineup) prove there’s no longer just one way to weed.
The Bigger Picture
If we keep waiting for “safe enough” levels of glyphosate, we’ll miss the point. This isn’t just about harm—it’s about opportunity. An opportunity to grow food without loading our soils, waterways, and bodies with chemicals.
The transition to glyphosate-free weed control is already happening across New Zealand—quietly, practically, and successfully. Whether you’re farming, gardening, or managing public land, there are options.
Glyphosate is not your only tool. It’s just the one we’ve leaned on for too long.
Resources & References
The point of no return with glyphosate is a myth. These resources show real, field-tested alternatives—from grassroots methods to emerging NZ-made products, and backed by credible government analysis.
EPA New Zealand – Glyphosate Call-for-Information Summary Report (2022)
Access the summary report of NZ’s public consultation on glyphosate, presenting use patterns, risk concerns, and non-chemical alternatives already in practice.
Our Way of Life – “5 Organic Ways to Weed Without Spraying”
This practical NZ-based article outlines simple, chemical-free weeding techniques that are already working for Kiwi growers and home gardeners. It introduces five foundational methods—cover cropping, flame weeding, cultivation, mulching, and vinegar sprays—and demonstrates how these can replace glyphosate in everyday weed management. A great entry point for anyone unsure where to start.
Weed Blast (Green Kiwi) Product Review
A New Zealand-made, fatty-acid-based weedkiller that provides contact control of soft annual weeds, moss, and algae. Fast-acting and biodegradable, Weed Blast is suitable for use around pets, children, and pollinators. This review explores where it performs best—and where it doesn’t.
Slasher Organic Weedkiller Review
Certified by BioGro and formulated with pelargonic acid and orange oil, Slasher is a rapid-acting herbicide approved for use in organic production. Our review looks at its effectiveness, limitations, and suitability for gardens, schools, and public spaces.
Contact Organics Weed Terminator Review
An emerging glyphosate-free solution for larger-scale and commercial weed control, Contact Organics uses a natural acid-and-oil formula to destroy plant cells on contact. This review covers its performance, application tips, and where it fits in the market.
Whether you’re managing small plots, community greenspaces, or commercial land—the tools are here. It’s time to choose better.
Image Source & Attribution
We’re grateful to the talented photographers and designers whose work enhances our content. The feature image on this page, Flowering Buckwheat, is by olko1975.
