Organic Creeping Charlie Control Using Borax: Recipe, Precautions, and Soil Health

The Weed

Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea, ground ivy) – invasive, aromatic, originally imported for medicine. Hard to eradicate.

University of Minnesota Borax Method (Organic)

Recipe: Dissolve 10 oz Twenty Mule Team Borax in 4 oz warm water, dilute in 2.5 gallons water. Spray evenly over 1,000 sq. ft. – no more, no less.

Why It Works

Borax = boron (trace element). Grass tolerates slightly higher boron than creeping Charlie. The weed is hypersensitive; small excess kills it while grass recovers.

Critical Precautions

• Apply once per spring for max two years. Boron doesn’t degrade; buildup creates dead zones for years.
• Measure precisely. Over-application = long-term soil damage.
• Grass will yellow temporarily but recovers.

Alternative: Soil Health Approach

If you haven’t nuked your soil with Roundup, a dense, organically maintained lawn will naturally suppress creeping Charlie. Healthy grass outcompetes it. Borax is a targeted tool; soil health is the permanent solution.

Texas Note

Boron tolerance varies negligibly among grass species. Soil calcium may raise tolerance slightly—but also raises weed tolerance. Stick to the recipe.