Weeds in school garden...

[Vixen218]

Hi all,

I am trying to help clear a large garden for a nearby school so that the children can enjoy it more.
Unfortunately there are not many of us helping.
The main problem we have is weeds, we have loads of dock, dandelion, cleaver, prickly plants and really tall thistles... How can we get rid of them easily, quickly and as cheaply as possible, and also to help them to keep away.

Any help greatly appreciated.

[rustylady]

Hard graft I'm afraid. Cleavers is the only one that is easy to pull up. Docks, dandelions and thistles need digging out. All have tap roots.

Remove any flowers as soon as you see them so they can't set seed, even if you don't have time to deal with the weed itself.

[Kirk]

You do not say if there are any restrictions - basically is it OK to use a weed killer such as glyphosphate on the are?

If not then I would consider using a fairly strong mix and spraying it on the patch. I say strong as some of the described weeds may need a stronger solution to do the job - say half as strong again, otherwise 2 sprayings a week or two apart.

My garden was initially quite well weeded and I did 2 sprays, let it die down then used a propane burner on the dead stuff when dry enough. After that it was a case of digging it over bit by bit.

[Feral007]

Our local primary has a lovegrass problem but they have decided they don't want the kids playing on grass sprayed with glyphosate. They are using a number of methods in different areas - it's quite extensive.

They are solarising some. But that is probably not time effective for you unless you get more sun than you're having at present. I'd mow/strim the area. Put down thick cardboard on most. Then just work over one section at a time, putting newspaper or cardboard over it as you go and planting thru it.

Really if you are wanting to teach the kids to garden in these situations, then teaching them how to manage the problems is a good thing. You can also teach them about mulches, the differences, why some work in some situations etc.