Weeds can be really annoying, even for us greenies, and some areas where dandelions grow just aren't suited to mechanical removal. But instead of reaching for that bottle of chemicals, make your own weed killer with a few ingredients that you're sure to find in your home. Salt, vinegar and dish soap are all it takes to effectively get rid of annoying weeds in flower beds, between patio stones and in the lawn.

The recipe is pretty basic. You don't really have to measure the ingredients -- most recipes you'll find online specify different amounts of each in their instructions. I've discovered that the vinegar kills weeds, the salt stops them from regrowing and the dish soap holds everything in place until the job's done. If you want to grow another plant in the spot immediately, hold off on the salt as it can stick around for a while and hinder future growth.

• 1 cup vinegar
• 1/4 cup salt
• 1/4 cup dish soap

Mix everything together and fill a spray bottle. For more specific targeting, a paintbrush will allow you to apply the mixture exactly where you want it. Watch out for grass or other plants because this natural herbicide can't tell the difference between a weed and your favorite daylily.