Does anyone know of a way to control weeds in graveled areas, without using Roundup or some other chemical? We have a graveled area in front of our house that the weeds manage to come up in. I pull some but there are too many. I don't care about weeds in the grass since they'll get mowed, but the ones in the gravel are a pain. I have tried spraying them with white vinegar but this doesn't really kill them.

-- Jane Pilsworth (ladyjane@mwt.net), May 03, 2002

Answers

We have some threads here in the archives about using vinegar, and folks say it really works.

-- Cindy in KY (solidrockranch@msn.com), May 03, 2002.

I read about pouring boiling water on the weeds but it didn't do a thing!! I had much better results with vinegar.

-- Bren (wayoutfarm@skybest.com), May 03, 2002.

I gotta agree with Stan. The organic methods of weed control are pulling or using a propane torch on them.

-- Laura (LadybugWrangler@somewhere.com), May 03, 2002.

I prefer 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T mixed together in oil and spread it on the skin. Then you don't care anymore.... Sorry, it's the last day here and I'm punchy...

-- Gailann Schrader (gtschrader@aol.com), May 03, 2002.

I'd have to agree on the torch method--very efective and definitely organic. Will you have to go back and pull them later or will they just be incinerated?

-- Erika (misserika129@hotmail.com), May 03, 2002.

Well, vinegar works, and a torch works to get rid of the weeds you have; you still have the prospect of weeds yet to come. Try corn gluten meal or another pre-emergent to suppress the growth of new weeds ~ the combination of ridding yourself of the current ones and preventing new ones should make your life a whole lot easier. Another option is adding MORE gravel, a thicker layer of mulch on the surface will also suppress weed growth; probably light and heat are getting to the surface soil beneath your gravel and germinating the weed seeds. Good luck, Shari

-- shari (Bellsoundfarm@cs.com), May 03, 2002.

Mu old oil leakin truck kills um at my place!!

-- Grizz workin near D.C. (southerneagle@yahoo.com), May 03, 2002.

Torch them.

Pull them.

Cut them.

Dig them (cultivate the gravel).

Anything else is actually using chemicals.

--->Paul

-- paul (ramblerplm@hotmail.com), May 03, 2002.

Hi Jane;

Why don't you try a strong brine solution. I haven't used it for a long time, but the last time I did, it worked fine. Lot's of salt mixed in a bucket of warm water. I've found that you need to really soak the soil around the roots, and you may have to repeat the process periodically. After all, Roundup is basically a form of salt, just a little nastier than what we're used to.

Russ

-- (imashortguy@hotmail.com), May 03, 2002.

On a dry, sunny day, lay down some clear plastic. The temperature under the plastic can reach 200 degrees. This kills everything for a an inch or two beneath the surface.

-- Paul Wheaton (paul@richsoil.com), May 03, 2002.

Cover with black plastic for a couple of days. ET

-- Ed Thomas (wilded@austin.rr.com), May 03, 2002.