[Schmitth]

I continue to have to pull weeds from our flower beds , and constantly have to go back and start all over again. I have the landscape fabric, I’ve used Preen, and used most types of weed killers. Nothing seems to work efficiently. Anyone have a better solution?

[tophcfa]

Originally Posted by Schmitth

I continue to have to pull weeds from our flower beds , and constantly have to go back and start all over again. I have the landscape fabric, I’ve used Preen, and used most types of weed killers. Nothing seems to work efficiently. Anyone have a better solution?

I share your problem. The weeds are friggin relentless. We don’t want to apply carcinogenic poison and nothing else seems to work? Will be following this thread with focused interest.

[jebartle]

Vinegar!

[Arctic Fox]

Originally Posted by Schmitth

I continue to have to pull weeds from our flower beds , and constantly have to go back and start all over again. I have the landscape fabric, I’ve used Preen, and used most types of weed killers. Nothing seems to work efficiently. Anyone have a better solution?

"Mulching is generally used to save water, suppress weeds and improve the soil around plants but it also gives your garden a neat, tidy appearance and can reduce the amount of time spent on tasks such as watering and weeding. Mulch is a layer of material, at least 5cm (2in) thick, applied to the soil surface in late autumn to late winter (Nov-Feb)."

[dewilson58]

RoundUp

[Pondboy]

It is a constant battle. It’s the weed seeds that are giving you problems, they blow in from all over and land wherever. Landscape fabrics won’t prevent these invaders. Keep using your weed killer. Walk your property and spray at least every 7 days. Keep the weeds from flowering. Once they flower, they spread their seeds. I hate using chemical as well, but it’s better than pulling the weeds. You might leave some part of the plant behind, where it simply grows from the fragment.

Persistence is key. You live in a climate with an extended growing season. Yard work is never completed, only abandoned.

[MSchad]

Originally Posted by Schmitth

I continue to have to pull weeds from our flower beds , and constantly have to go back and start all over again. I have the landscape fabric, I’ve used Preen, and used most types of weed killers. Nothing seems to work efficiently. Anyone have a better solution?

Constant battle, but as earlier post stated, I use vinegar solution.
1gal vinegar
1cup iodized salt or 2 cups epson salt
1/4 cup dawn dishsoap
Spray as needed.

[Maker]

When a weed is pulled out, pieces of the root break off. Those will all grow into more weeds. Multiplying the problem.
The solution is to spray with round-up first. It kills the entire weed. Then pull it out a few days later.
Round-up is rendered inert with sunlight exposure. It will not kill anything a day later if exposed to sunshine. Other things like salt, vinegar, etc, remain in the soil and can harm flowers and shrubs when irrigation or rain starts to spread it out, and drive it downwards.
Round-up is a toxic chemical, and no chemicals should be sprayed on your body or ingested. Spray on a calm day.

[Battlebasset]

Originally Posted by Pondboy

It is a constant battle. It’s the weed seeds that are giving you problems, they blow in from all over and land wherever. Landscape fabrics won’t prevent these invaders. Keep using your weed killer. Walk your property and spray at least every 7 days. Keep the weeds from flowering. Once they flower, they spread their seeds. I hate using chemical as well, but it’s better than pulling the weeds. You might leave some part of the plant behind, where it simply grows from the fragment.

Persistence is key.

This is my process as well. Also, we just replaced our edging (thin metal) with a block wall and a compacted gravel edge in front. My hope is that it will slow (not stop) intrusion of the zoysia grass from the lawn. If nothing else, it will make it easier to spray and not have the Roundup hit the grass in the yard I don't want killed.

I use rocks not mulch. Weeds more easily grow in mulch, as it is organic.

[Pugchief]

Roundup is toxic and bad for the environment, humans and pets. The vinegar spray is fine, but the guy form Massey suggested a weed torch. No bending, works great. Available at Lowe's ($50) or on Amazon ($25). Guess where I bought mine..Weed Torch on Amazon
You will also need a $5 can of propane which is cheaper locally due to the cost of shipping hazardous materials.

[Pairadocs]

Originally Posted by tophcfa

I share your problem. The weeds are friggin relentless. We don’t want to apply carcinogenic poison and nothing else seems to work? Will be following this thread with focused interest.

Same problem ! Read a hint in a gardening book to put down THICK layers of newspaper on the ground BEFORE spreading and fitting the landscape fabric, but all I can say is it did seem to extend the time a bit before the inevitable weeds surfaced ! I suspect the law suits resulting from the various chemical that have caused so many medical conditions in humans, have caused a huge change in the strength and the chemical makeup of what we purchase for "weed control".

[Battlebasset]

Originally Posted by Pugchief

Roundup is toxic and bad for the environment, humans and pets. The vinegar spray is fine, but the guy form Massey suggested a weed torch. No bending, works great. Available at Lowe's ($50) or on Amazon ($25). Guess where I bought mine..Weed Torch on Amazon
You will also need a $5 can of propane which is cheaper locally due to the cost of shipping hazardous materials.

I have one of these. I use it to burn up what's left after the Roundup kills them. Rocks vs mulch means I'm not catching mulch on fire.

[Michael G.]

Originally Posted by Pugchief

Roundup is toxic and bad for the environment, humans and pets. The vinegar spray is fine, but the guy form Massey suggested a weed torch. No bending, works great. Available at Lowe's ($50) or on Amazon ($25). Guess where I bought mine..Weed Torch on Amazon
You will also need a $5 can of propane which is cheaper locally due to the cost of shipping hazardous materials.

My only concern with this is your burning the foliage and not destroying
the roots which means those weeds can grow back.

[frayedends]

Maybe a torch if you have stone. But I don't think that's a good idea with the pine straw. Roundup works but as noted, it's toxic. Apart from that, it gets into the soil and will damage your shrubs too.

[Arctic Fox]

Originally Posted by Battlebasset

I use rocks not mulch. Weeds more easily grow in mulch, as it is organic.

Rocks have edges, around which weeds grow. Mulch provides total ground cover and cuts out the light. Either way, whatever works for you.