What Happens

• When a strong enough solution of vinegar comes into contact with a legume (bean) plant, it kills it. When treating vigorous weeds, vinegar of 15 percent to 30 percent acidity works better than standard 5 percent vinegar. Vinegar also lowers the soil pH, making it deadly to certain plants.
  
  

Reasons for Using Vinegar Around Bean Plants

• Vinegar is an organic compound that breaks down quickly in the soil. This makes it desirable as a weed killer where organic, non-accumulating weed control methods are required. Vinegar is safe to use around children and pets.
  
  

How to Save the Plant

• If vinegar is spilled on a bean plant accidentally, flushing the soil with large amounts of water will dilute it. Rinsing the foliage with water will prevent the vinegar from killing it back. This is most effective when done immediately after exposure.