For questions about controlling weed growth with minimal effort.
16
votes
2answers
2k views
What's an organic way to discourage crabgrass from a large “lawn”?
I have a large area that's infested with crabgrass. I'd like to use organic methods to encourage the grass mix over the crabgrass.
The fact that it's a large area means I can't afford to apply (nor ...
19
votes
5answers
1k views
What's the best mulch material for a vegetable garden?
I want to lay mulch down around my already established plants to help retain moisture and discourage weeds. Is there a recommended material for this? Or at least some materials I should know to ...
12
votes
3answers
305 views
How are weeds controlled in a butterfly garden?
I have a large packet of a large assortment of seeds growing in a prepared bed. Probably 20 different varieties of flower for a "Butterfly Garden" which I have scattered in the plot.
I don't mind ...
12
votes
3answers
620 views
What is a good ground cover for street frontage instead of lawn
Where I live (Adelaide plains, South Australia) it's very hot and dry in summertime and so I think a lawn is a waste of water if you don't get to enjoy it, such as where the yard is exposed to the ...
15
votes
2answers
296 views
How can I discourage ragweed from growing?
After three years of pulling, hoeing, and tilling, one corner of my garden is still infested with this vile weed. I live in Southeast Colorado, and the brutally-hot summer days seem to keep it under ...
7
votes
1answer
4k views
How to stop grass growing through landscape pebbles?
I have an area in my front yard where I have a row of dwarf Buxus surround by a strip of decorative pebbles.
I layed down a sheet of lining to prevent the grass from growing through the pebbles, but ...
28
votes
1answer
648 views
How long before poisons like Round-up become inert?
If I spray some grass with a poison like Round-up or Kills All, how long before that spray is not dangerous to plants?
So for example, if after spraying, I walk through the sprayed area and then onto ...
9
votes
1answer
809 views
Will leveling uneven lawns with extra sand kill future lawns?
I just removed my old front stoop: it was a wall of field stone, filled with a layer of pea stone and 2x8x8 cubic feet of sand, and finally covered by slate. I want to level my very uneven lawn with ...
8
votes
1answer
152 views
What is the proper technique for using a flame weeder?
How do I use a propane flame weeder in my garden? I want to use it to keep weeds under control but I do not want to harm my vegetables.
8
votes
1answer
358 views
How do I bake weeds out of my landscaping?
I've got a rock area around the back of my house that is getting overrun by weeds. The reason the weeds are able to grow there is because the weed barrier has shifted some so there are gaps between ...
8
votes
1answer
478 views
How do I get rid of houttuynia (heartleaf/lizard tail)?
A previous owner left me with a garden full of Houttuynia cordata (also called hearleaf/lizard tail/chameleon plant), an invasive weed that I've been trying to eradicate. I can't believe it is sold ...
7
votes
2answers
245 views
What can I plant in dandelion graves?
As part of my other question, I started uprooting dandelions. How successful, exactly, in removing the root, I'm not sure.
Assuming that I am not always extracting 100% of the root, what can I put in ...
35
votes
4answers
453 views
Tips on lawn maintenance and weed control
I have a lawn that is growing more and more weeds as the days go by. What is the best method of tackling this problem and returning my lawn to its former lush and green self?
15
votes
2answers
1k views
What are some natural ways of killing ground ivy (creeping charlie)?
We have ground ivy (creeping charlie) that is trying to take over our back yard. We are against using pesticides, as we have a young son. Are there natural/organic ways of beating it (other than ...
11
votes
3answers
340 views
8 ft tall Poison Ivy?
I haven't rubbed it all over me yet, but can this 8 foot tree be poison ivy? It's growing through my fence.
If so, any suggestions for dealing with it? I have a dog and small kids! Thanks.
11
votes
1answer
290 views
How much mulch should I put in my vegetable gardens?
I have heard some conflicting info on this, but mostly "about 3 inches deep" is what I remember. Are there some veggies that need more than others?
7
votes
1answer
592 views
Can salt be used to control weeds permanently?
I was reading over here that salt can be used to control weeds in paved areas?
Is salt an effective way to kill all (or most) plant types?
Is it permanent?
Will using salt effect ground water (I ...
6
votes
5answers
587 views
how to remove the weeds and avoid them growing between the bricks
I have noticed that there are weeds growing between the bricks, as shown in the attached pic.
How do i remove them?
Is there anything I can do so that I can avoid them growing in the first place?
9
votes
1answer
407 views
Keeping creeping thyme, or other ground cover, weed free (aka thyme vs. clover)
I have a path with flagstone, with the gap between the stones being around an inch or so. I've had creeping thyme growing between the stones, but it's been a huge battle keeping other plants, ...
8
votes
3answers
838 views
Should I bag lawn clippings from a crabgrass-infested lawn?
I know all the recommendations are to NOT bag the lawn (assuming a mulching mower), however, given a crabgrass-infested lawn (approx 50% surface coverage is crab grass), is it better to bag the ...
7
votes
2answers
336 views
What is this weed in my lawn and how do I control it?
I have this stuff growing throughout my yard. I live in Southern NJ, USA. It seems to only appear Mid/Late July - August. It grows in patches and if I don't pull, can spread pretty rapidly across ...
4
votes
1answer
109 views
How can I verify the total extraction of dandelion roots?
I've started unearthing those dandelions (why do I bother? What exactly do they do to my lawn). The root is notoriously long and brittle.
How do I know if I got the whole thing out? It always looks ...
