Non-chemical Weed Killers

Salt in homemade weed killers...DANGER! Post By The Greenster (Guest Post) (05/02/2006) Recipes using common salt poisons the soil for years, and helps more dangerous chemicals move into the groundwater. Roundup kills even the roots, doesn't poison the land, and actually breaks down on the surface into natural, harmless organics. One of the few times where cheap, or natural is never better. Salt has been used to ruin farmland during war since biblical days. RE: Non-chemical Weed Killers Post By Marianne (Guest Post) (04/04/2006) I put down black plastic about 20 years ago and made holes to plant flowers and bushes. Recently we removed some problem plants and pulled up some of the plastic. The soil under it had mold miixed with the soil about 8 inches deep. I won't use it again. RE: Non-chemical Weed Killers Post By frustrated in Iowa (Guest Post) (06/22/2005) Im not having much luck with the vinegar solution killing weeds - it seems to be very selective on the type of weed, and they have to be in full sun. Has killed clover and thistle for me but not dandelions, morning glory vines, sweet clover, etc. Since having lung cancer I won't use chemicals but really hate the weeds - help!! Happy Garden Post by admin2 (366) | (11/30/2000) Contact First cut the weeds with a mower or weed wacker, then cover the area with black plastic for a few days when it is hot. That will help kill off what is growing there. When weeds are dead, dig up the soil and replant. If you don't want anything to grow there and if you have bark, mulch or gravel around you can cover the plastic with that and leave in place. Weeds will only be able to grow above the plastic making them much easier to pull. Another way is to cover the area with newspaper (2 sheets thick) and cover that with bark or mulch. Cut holes with a knife where you want to plant or just leave it covered with bark, mulch or gravel. For spot weed killing, baking soda also works well. Sprinkle a little on top of the weed. The weeds turn black and die within a few days. Safer's has a nontoxic weed killer available in garden stores. Susan - The Editor P.S. If any of you are interested in discussing gardening, we have a great list going on Egroups called "Happy Garden". To subscribe go to: Link: Happy Garden distilled white vinegar Post by admin2 (366) | (11/30/2000) Contact I just read that distilled white vinegar kills weeds and leaves the grass around it intact. Janet in Twin Falls, Idaho boiling water Post by admin2 (366) | (11/30/2000) Contact Pour boiling water over the weeds. It takes a few days for them to die, but it does work. Raine