Homemade weed killer

[Hinotori]

We have field horsetail by the pond. Really rocky area and it is mostly confined so I'm not worrying about it. It's almost impossible to get rid of.

The previous owner here planted yellow flag in the pond like a moron. This might be one of those years that the water level drops low enough I can remove it. I missed my chance 6 years ago because I wasn't paying attention until too late

 

[Britesea]

I use vinegar with a bit of detergent for my weed problems-- no epsom salts. We have chronic invasions of quack grass and even when I pull the roots they return. I've been using the spray in the paths and hand weeding in the raised beds. I know the quack grass will come back, but between mulching the paths heavily with wood chips and spraying any that manage to show up I'm hoping the roots will eventually get depressed and stop trying. This is the second year, and it does seem like the spring growth has been a wee bit less vigorous, but I expect it will take one or two more years.

 

[Hinotori]

If you ever figure out a way to kill the quack grass let me know. I have horrible memories of digging and pulling it by hand. Then you have to toss the stuff in the trash because any bit grows.

 

[CrealCritter]

I hadn't even set my tomatoes and peppers out yet here in southern IL. I usually don't untill overnight temps stay above 50.

 

[Lazy Gardener]

We have goldenrod and aster aplenty. While they need to go, they are not as invasive IMO as PI and brambles. Also, have lots of primrose. Those are nice trap crops for japanese beetles.

 

[Pjhomestead]

@hintori, The epsom salt recipe works (on a lot of plants) because of the concentration. A little bit of a good thing is a good thing. But, too much of a good thing can be lethal. I've tried the hot vinegar and salt on poison ivy. The ivy just laughed in my general direction, and continued it's march to dominate my world.

I wonder if either solution would work on sheep laurel I will have to give it a try

 

[Lazy Gardener]

Lots of colt's foot and mare's tails here as well.

 

[sumi]

A remedy (or a flame thrower) is seriously needed in my backyard. So I'm for trying this! I just need to get a spray bottle.

I took the littles out this afternoon and took a pic of them out there. This area, beside the jungle of a lawn on the left, gives an indication of the weed situation out there. I have dock, nettles, thistles, all the nasties!

 

[FarmerJamie]

Wow, some of you might need to rent some hungry goats!

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Rent???