Weed Control Part 1

BEDS AND BORDERS

My advice on weed control is simple: NEVER LET THEM FLOWER AND DROP SEEDS - EVER!

If, instead of looking at them through the window, we could summon up the courage to go out and pull them up or chop them down as soon as we see their flower heads developing, then we would be well on the way to controlling this problem.

And if, along with this, we could refrain from digging, things would improve even quicker. Digging not only chops up weed roots, often producing many new plants (on perennial weeds such as dandelion, thistle etc), it also brings buried weed seeds to the surface where they can germinate. I very rarely dig my garden, not without a good cause, at least.

Probably the most common mistake novice growers make is to turn over a patch of ground which has been covered in weeds for generations, then sow it or plant it immediately. What invariably happens is that the weeds spring up first. And by the time new growers realise that they are looking at a wonderful crop of weeds, these have often become well-enough established to make removal virtually impossible.

Can I give a word of advice:

Don't be in a hurry. In the above situation, leaving the freshly-dug ground exposed without planting for just a few weeks will be long enough to germinate most weeds. Let them grow to a height of about 2 to 3 centimetres (1 to1.5 inches), then wage an all-out attack, preferably when the surface soil is dry.

How?

Chemical
Non-chemical

CHEMICAL
When applying weedkiller, it is advisable to use one which will not enter the soil. This enables us to sow or plant almost immediately.

There are two useful weedkillers available to the public in the UK:
Diquat (Sold under the brand name 'Weedol')
Glyphosate (Sold as 'Tumlbeweed', 'Roundup', Supermarket Own Brands etc)

Each has its own characteristics:

Diquat
Contact - kills anything green it touches. Not absorbed into plant. Does not kill roots
Quick-acting - works almost instantly
Works in cooler temperatures. Plants need not be growing actively
Toxic

Glyphosate
Systemic - absorbed into plant and moves around inside it. Kills roots
Slower-acting - takes several week to kill weed
Needs warmer conditions when weeds growing actively
Toxic

As you can see, Diquat is the only weedkiller which will work quickly enough in the cooler spring conditions. Glyphosate can be used on the difficult perennial weeds which later re-germinate.

WARNING:

Although Diquat might appear to be a blessing from Up Above, we need to bear in mind that it is TOXIC. If it must be used, gloves should be worn, and care taken that it does not come into contact with the skin or eyes. Also take care not to inhale any fumes.

Having said that, it is fantastic for killing difficult annual weeds such as chickweed among roses. Since it only kills green tissue, it does not affect the woody stems of the roses but kills the chickweed within a day.

It is also useful for killing long grass so that it can be burned.

However, I still do not recommend its use.

GLYPHOSATE
I find a mixture of glyphosate in a hand sprayer (an old kitchen or bathroom cleaner spray bottle) is useful for spot weeding difficult perennial weeds such as dandelion, docks, thistles, bindweed etc. Although it takes time to work, even in warm weather, it is nevertheless effective.

However, since it is non-selective and will affect all plants, it cannot be used on a lawn.

Nevertheless, since it is inactivated upon touching the soil, it is useful for weeds under hedges and around shrubs, providing it is not actually sprayed onto them.

I am not really sure about its toxicity. I used to think it was safe for pets. But I am now having doubts. Perhaps you can enlighten me. Best to assume the worst and keep the pets away. Again, gloves should be used during use, along with precautions mentioned above.

WEATHER CONDITIONS
Follow instructions carefully, especially with regard to concentrations and appropriate weather conditions. Weedkillers should not be used in windy or wet conditions.