Conclusion: A Sticky Situation with Limited Reward

The idea of Coca-Cola as a weed killer is rooted in its real chemical properties—acidity, sugar content, and osmotic potential—which can indeed cause harm to plant tissues. This transforms the garden hack from pure myth into a scientifically plausible, though highly flawed, method. However, its significant limitations as a non-selective, contact-only, and environmentally messy treatment outweigh its novelty. It attracts pests, harms soil biology, is inefficient for anything but the smallest tasks, and poses risks to pets and beneficial organisms. While an intriguing experiment for a single sidewalk weed, it falls short as a practical, reliable, or responsible gardening strategy. For the dedicated gardener, proven methods—whether manual, mulching, or using targeted, approved herbicides—offer far greater efficacy and environmental stewardship than dousing your garden in soda.