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Post by Megary on May 23, 2022 8:08:05 GMT -6
Anyone ever have success with a less toxic weed killer? I'm not really against Roundup and the like, but if I could DIY a more user friendly (and potentially cheaper) version, why not?
I've seen the Vinegar/Salt/Dawn recipes floating around and while that concoction isn't really a "root" killer, it would be good enough for my purposes...if it worked.
Thoughts?
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Post by brewbama on May 23, 2022 8:48:29 GMT -6
I have been doing my own lawn care for a while now. I have learned A LOT since I began. Identification will determine plan of attack. Also, routinely mow, feed, and water will help control weeds.
The first thing I learned is some weeds are easy to kill. Dandelions, clover, spurge, crabgrass, etc. the DIY solution could work for these. I don’t know.
Then there are some weeds that are harder to kill but doable. Goose grass, nuts sedge, etc. The DIY solution will probably not work for these but off the shelf weed killer labeled for these probably will.
And finally, there is Dallisgrass. My nemesis. Impossible to kill without using glyphosate. The DIY solution nor the off the shelf products will touch this.
Big box store glyphosate (aka Roundup) is very low concentration. It’s mostly water. If you use glyphosate I recommend generic 41% vs the .01% big box store stuff. Careful though: it’s an indiscriminate killer. Grass and all to the roots. If you use it use it when your grass goes dormant so the impact will be less on the desirable grass.
I recommend treating for weeds pre-emergent in the fall. Then anything that doesn’t work use a progressive approach. Try the DIY solution to see what it kills, then the store bought stuff for the tougher weeds, then glyphosate for the toughest weeds. That way you can reduce the chemicals you use on the everyday easy jobs and hold off on the big guns only for the impossible stuff.
Pre-emergent is probably the best bet. I have Bermuda, mow twice a week, water 1” a week, fertilize around Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day, and use Spectricide Weed Stop in the fall. My lawn is not perfect but it’s nice.
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Post by Megary on May 23, 2022 9:34:01 GMT -6
Thanks for the reply, very helpful. I really should have clarified that the weeds I'm trying to get rid of are not in my lawn (not that my lawn doesn't have weeds, mind you) but are in a huge outcropping of rock in my backyard that doubles as a faux patio, really just visual nuisance and not a threat to the grass. I usually hit them with the weed trimmer but that's a summer long investment. I've also considered using a pressure washer because these weeds do not have deep roots, but my pressure washer and I aren't really on the best of terms.  I can also get in there and pull them all out. Done that a few times, but did I mention this is a rock outcropping? Very hard on the knees and bones. And very time consuming. Spraying would really be the best solution. I plan on trying the DIY spray this weekend. Fingers crossed. |
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Post by cliffs on May 24, 2022 16:29:04 GMT -6
Depends on the weeds. Mulch and native groundcover are pretty good, long term solutions. something that reseeds and enjoys growing in clumps can often out compete and choke out weeds. Borage and bachelor button come to mind. I'm a beekeeper, so many weeds have a special place in my heart, since they're often a terrific source of pollen and nectar for the bees.
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Post by brewbama on May 24, 2022 18:21:54 GMT -6
…I'm a beekeeper, so many weeds have a special place in my heart, since they're often a terrific source of pollen and nectar for the bees. That’s a good point: I like to mow any flowering weeds (clover, others) prior to applying herbicide or insecticide so pollinators are not attracted to the area during or just after application. |
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Post by Megary on May 25, 2022 8:15:56 GMT -6
So I went to spray my weeds with my homemade vinegar/salt/Dawn weed killer, got the solution mixed in the tank, pressurized the tank...and nothing. The trigger on my cheap hardware store pump sprayer is either blocked or broken! So I disconnected the trigger from the hose, held my thumb over the end of the hose and re-pressurized the tank. Took my finger off and whoosh! Weed killer in great profusion! You should have seen me hustling around trying to get every weed soaked before the tank drained in about 30 seconds. What a sight!  And I smell like bad salad dressing. |
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Post by Megary on Jun 2, 2022 14:22:41 GMT -6
For the record, the vinegar/salt/dawn mix was a success. The weeds died off after a single application. How long before they come back remains to be seen.
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