Getting rid of weeds.

[mrloring]

Re: Getting rid of weeds.

Found this info about Borax.<br /><br />How does borax work? It contains boron, which plants need in minute quantities for healthy growth. However, larger quantities can have a toxic effect. Creeping Charlie happens to be extremely sensitive to boron. If boron quantities are sufficient, any vegetation can be killed. However, the availability of boron in the soil depends on soil type and pH. These factors affect the outcome of applying borax, as in the Wisconsin trials. No recipes I’ve found mention these important factors. Another problem with using borax is that boron does not break down or dissipate as conventional weed killers do, so repeated or excessive applications can result in bare areas where no vegetation can grow. This does not make for a lovely garden!<br /><br />Be careful you don't kill everything. Sounds good for sidewalk weeds.

 

[brother chris]

Re: Getting rid of weeds.

I went to get the round-up and they were all sold out.<br /> Now that I read mrloring's posts, I am going to try vinegar, since I have to wait for the round-up to come in. Thanks, Mr.

 

[mrloring]

Re: Getting rid of weeds.

It(vinegar) killed the grass in the cracks of my sidewalk. Used it two weeks ago(started browning by the next morning) and still no signs of life. Apply to the leaves as it needs to be on the plant not in the soil. Let me know if it works for the thorn bushes. If not try the borax(it naturally contaminates the soil, making it unfertile for most plants), you can get that in the laundry aisle of most stores.<br /><br />Edit: Conflicting information on the internet.<br />Vinegar on the leaves or in the soil. Acid burn the plant or disrupt the ph of the soil? I apply heavily so I am not sure.

 

[ZodFutMk2]

Re: Getting rid of weeds.

I tried the vinegar spray on some broadleaf weeds today and it crinkled them up within hours. I am amazed! Neat part is the dog didn't wander through the sprayed area like she usually does when I spray Roundup. Thanks mrloring for your suggestion!

 

[Kiwi Phil]

Re: Getting rid of weeds.

The chemical in roundup is Glyphosate. <br />Now roundup is no longer under patent, any number of manufacturers produce it under many names. <br />Just remember the active ingrediant on the label "Glyphosate". <br />This should be in the middle of the main label in bold letters.<br />Look for that and ask advice from seller. They have Data Saftey Sheets and will advise you.<br />Do not add soap to it as you may do with other sprays. That is called a "spreader".<br />Glyphosate HAS a spreading agent in it already.<br />Apply only at the rate on the label. <br />Double the dose has absolutely no extra effect. Just waste-s your money.<br />You can cut the weed back, then give a week or so for new shoots and leafy growth to spray. Personally I wouldn't bother.<br />You may add a little nitrogen to the spray. Nitrogen promotes leaf growth, and the plant will absobe it readily, and also take the Glyphosate in with it. Probably of no importance to you in your situation.<br />You should have about a 3 week cycle with Glyphosate. In other words, it will take about 3 weeks to be effective.<br />If you spray the area every 3 weeks, the 2nd spray will get any emerging growth missed by being under the earth when you 1st sprayed. The 3rd will do the same. The more you spray it, the less you will need.<br />Havn't read all posts in detail but Lake and Ron are pretty much spot on.<br />It is a good safe Herbicide and very effective.<br />Don't do it on a windy day.<br />Don't spray anything you wish to keep.<br />Try and get about 10-12hrs free of rain after spraying (I think you will get away with 6 actually).<br />Wash you sprayer out thoroughly so no reisdue remains in tank or lines/fittings.<br />An excellant product.<br />Cheers<br />Phillip