How to weed your garden?

[Chuck]

Good to know! I never would have thought that salt or vinegar would kill weeds. Does it keep them away for a long time?
I know that salt keeps bugs away too!

Salt will leach through the soil and sterlize it but it does kill weeds. Vinegar kill weeds and grasses too but it normally takes multiple applications to kill roots and all.

 

[KimmyMarkks]

Salt will leach through the soil and sterlize it but it does kill weeds. Vinegar kill weeds and grasses too but it normally takes multiple applications to kill roots and all.

Thank you. I am shocked that I never knew this before. I am always reading magazines and articles about natural ways to kill bacteria, using household items that don't have toxins. I've never heard about this before but I will definitely do it come spring time!

 

[Jonathan Tebbutt]

Some weeds are hard to get rid of, Taproot weed are far the hardest like for example Dandelions and dock leafs whose roots will go deep into the ground, Sometimes the root can be 3-4 times in depth than the height of the plant... Gulp. Most weeds will come out easily, but the best way to to do a weekly nose around to see and remove problem weeds when they are small and not allow them to grow so large. I have a cottage garden so most weeds die out as they are out competed by the tall perennials that are around the garden. I know many people don't like to use weedkillers these days and most here in the Uk are not that strong anyway and can be pretty much useless.

 

[gata montes]

I never would have thought that salt or vinegar would kill weeds.

To be fair - although it is true that vinegar is a natural herbicide and it is something that has been used by organic gardeners and farmers for decades and it does to some degree work.

It is not 5% household white vinegar dilated with water that is used - as although that may - if you are lucky burn the tops of some young non established weeds - especially if the sun is shining on them - they will be back in next to no time - simply because that solution - its just not strong enough to kill even the weakest of weeds.

Which is why - if wishing to use vinegar to kill weeds - it would be way better - not to use the household vinegar you put on your chips or salad - but use the much stronger solution that organic gardeners generally use - which is

a gallon of undiluted 20% horticultural grade vinegar, mixed with 1-2 ozs of horticultural grade orange oil and a squirt of dish-washing detergent

which when applied in full sunlight on a hot day - will burn back some weed species quite quickly with one application - but for more resistant weeds - repeated applications will be needed in order to get the weeds to fully die back.

I would also just add - that although vinegar is generally thought of as natural and quite safe - as vinegar contains acetic acid - which is a chemical - yes a chemical - with well-known herbicidal properties - it should be treated and handled in just the same way as any other chemical - meaning - always store in a safe place, wear gloves and goggles when applying - as well as - keep pets, young children and those with respiratory problems - well away from any areas that have been treated - until all residue on foliage has fully dried.

Salt however is something that should be used with extreme caution in the garden - especially as - not only does salt raise soil salinity - thereby stopping plants from absorbing necessary nutrients from the soil - but more importantly as salt leaches into the ground and can stay in the soil for many, many years - preventing any kind of vegetative growth - its highly unlikely that anything will grow in a salt treated spot for a seriously long time.

Its also worth bearing in mind - that as salt doesn’t always stay where its been put or discriminate between weeds and other plants - as it can be washed off into vegetable patches, flower beds or lawns - it could very easily - especially during periods of heavy rain - wipe out huge swaths of plants that you want to keep.

 

[Bootsy]

Using salt on gardens is not recommended. It can become a permanent nuisance in the soil and inhibit other plants.

In ancient times and the Middle Ages it was used by invading forces to ruin farm land!

 

[Oliver Buckle]

Make like Santa, Hoe, hoe, hoe.
Always plant out to leave room for the hoe, if you are regular you create a tilth, which is good for the soil in several ways, and you quickly develop the skills needed not to knock over your plants by accident.
If you are regular you will get most as two leaves which knock over easily and quickly, the occasional deep rooted plant, like dandelion, chop the leaves up for green manure. You may not kill them instantly, but they won't flourish if it is happening regularly, and that deep root is pulling up nutrients from deep down for you.
Personally I like a draw hoe, but draw or Dutch both work.

 

[Plantove]

Weeding can definitely be frustrating, especially when you've put in the effort beforehand! But don't worry, there are some effective ways to tackle those weeds without disturbing your kale and spinach.

First, hand-weeding is the safest method, especially when working around delicate plants. Just be sure to pull out the weeds by the roots to prevent regrowth. You can use a small hand trowel or a weeding tool to get deep into the soil without disrupting your crops.

Mulching is another great option. You can lay down organic mulch like straw, shredded leaves, or grass clippings around your plants. This will smother the weeds and help prevent new ones from sprouting. Plus, it’ll help retain moisture in the soil and regulate the temperature, which is great for your kale and spinach.

Another option is to use a hoe for larger areas, but you’ll need to be careful around your plants. Opt for a hoe with a flat or sharp edge so you can cut the weeds at the soil line without uprooting your veggies.

Finally, try weeding after it rains or after watering, when the soil is softer. This makes it much easier to pull out the entire root system.

Good luck,

 

[big rockpile]

Too late now but I've been mulching with Cardboard and Starw and have not had much trouble with weeds.

big rockpile

 

[blenor]

We've grown Kale and other brassicas by making little holes or cross like cuts in a sheet of horticultural ground cover at the required spacing. This works well and no need for weeding. It also helps to conserve moisture.

 

[Ruderunner]

I've thought about highly targeted herbicide usage for taproot weeds. Pick the chemical of choice, and put it in a hypodermic needle. After pulling the top of the weeds, stick the needle down into the root.

I may try it next spring using 10% vinegar on a wort that is troublesome.

 

[Oliver Buckle]

I've thought about highly targeted herbicide usage for taproot weeds. Pick the chemical of choice, and put it in a hypodermic needle. After pulling the top of the weeds, stick the needle down into the root.

I may try it next spring using 10% vinegar on a wort that is troublesome.

Dandelions make themselves obvious in the lawn when they flower, using the lawn safe weed killer I go round and put a small squirt on each flower. It's little enough I reckon I can still compost the grass cuttings without fear.

 

[Ruderunner]

I couldn't care less about the lawn, I was thinking more in a vegetable garden.

Lots of stuff you wouldn't want to eat in many weed killers.