Most commercial weed killers are indiscriminate — they harm ornamental and vegetable plants as readily as weeds. Seven fixes that target weeds specifically while leaving desired plants untouched.

1. Hand-pull after rain. Wet soil releases roots cleanly. The most effective weed control ever invented; tedious but complete.
2. Boiling water on cracks and paths. Instant kill for weeds in hard surfaces. Zero collateral.
3. Vinegar + salt + dish soap spray for driveway weeds only — the salt persists in soil, so don't use it near planted beds.
4. Cardboard + mulch layering. Smothers weeds under a 4-inch mulch layer over wet cardboard. Kills everything underneath within 4-6 weeks; beneficial plants continue above.
5. Corn gluten meal pre-emergence. Prevents seed germination for weeds; doesn't harm established plants.
6. Dense planting. Leave no bare soil; weeds need sun to sprout. Ground covers, mulches, and close plant spacing eliminate the opportunity.
7. Hoeing on dry sunny days. Slice weeds at the soil surface; sun kills them before they regrow. Weekly 10-minute hoe-pass keeps most beds weed-free.

Seven methods. Combine three: mulch layering for beds, hoeing for maintenance, boiling water for paths. That covers 90% of weed management for a typical home garden without any chemical impact on the plants you want to keep.