Weedkillers

[Becky]

The weeds on the totally neglected plot I have taken on are proving to difficult for me to clear by digging alone, I just don't have the time needed to get on top of it - the bit I dug on Sunday was growing well by the time I next managed to get up there on Wednesday once its clear I'm sure I can manage. I'm desperate to use the ground soon, so the cover-it-and-leave-it method is no good, I've been told to use one of those weedkillers that doesn't stay in the ground, and I have purchased what I think is a systemic one - it says on the bottle that I spray it on the foliage, it will take up to 4 weeks for the weeds to die and once they have been lifted or dug over I can replant or sow seeds stright away as there is no residue in the ground. It also says that kids and pets don't need to be kept away at all. Based on all this I have come to the conclusion that it will be safe for me to grow fruit and veg on a treated area -but it doesn't actually say that??

Sorry if I'm waffling on but I wondered what anyone can suggest as alternatives - do you think this weedkiller would be ok as a one off?

[Peter]

Safety.

As far as safety goes we have to rely on the regulatory bodies and what it says on the tin.

Most weedkillers of this type are based on glyphosate and current thinking is that these are safe and do not leave residual deposits, however some are starting to sound notes of caution on this substance.

Personally, I would say if you splash it on all over too often then you increase any risk, if you are trying to clear a jungle then use stuff sensibly.

So if what you have is based on glyphosate, then use at the correct dilution, spray it on a windless day, allow the weeds to die - which can take weeks, burn off the dead stuff - optional but it does clean, then either leave it a few weeks so all the seeds that now have bare soil and light can germinate or start forking over and planting.

A note of caution from one who has cleared five plots using this, the couch and bindweed often re-grow when you think the weedkiller got them, so repeat cycles, of spray - wait- burn, may be needed.

[lilo lil]

My plot was terribly overgrown when I got it. Covered in couch and bindweed. I found the best method was to cut the tops off the growth and then spray it. I found that the weedkiller worked more effectively this way.

Also, keep re-spraying as and when you need to. You could also think about investing in a Parasene weed burner powered from a large gas bottle. This will help in the long run.

Also, don't get disheartend cos the weeds will grow back. Just remeber that, as you cultivate the plot, it will get easier to control. It's taken me 5 years to get mine virtually bindweed and couch free but it can be done. Just persevere.

[Alice]

Think that's right Becky.I always found the best method was to cut weeds off at ground level and spray the new growth. Usually has to be done 2 0r 3 times. Don't think its possible to clear ground instantly. Takes patience. You may have to accept that you're clearing this year to plant next year. It's worth the time to get the ground properly cleared or whatever you plant is just infested with weeds. I would put this one down to things I learned the hard way.

[nick the grief]

If you use stuff like Roundup, you need about 1-2 hours of dry for it to take effect (better still if it sunny) then it doesn't matter if it rains. If you can get up to your plot twice a week & it's not forcast rain, give it a blast & it will soon keel over, then whne you dig it be prepared for Loads more to sprout from all the dormant seed, these can either be hoed off of sprayed.

Remember the saying "1 years seed = 7 years weed" it's not far out !