Questions tagged [weed-control]

For questions about controlling weed growth with minimal effort.

Weed control is a varied topic as the definition of a weed is dependent upon the gardener. A weed is merely a plant, normally prolific, that you don't want where it is.

This tag covers questions about keeping weeds in check.

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Can weeds be put into compost, or will they grow again when the compost is used?

I usually discard weeds but it occurred to me that they would probably be good for compost. Are there any steps I can take to use them in compost without having them grow again when I use the compost? Do different types of weeds need different…
WileCau
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Tips on lawn maintenance and weed control

I have a lawn that is growing more and more weeds as the days go by. What is the best method of tackling this problem and returning my lawn to its former lush and green self?
kzh
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How long before poisons like Round-up become inert?

If I spray some grass with a poison like Round-up or Kills All, how long before that spray is not dangerous to plants? So for example, if after spraying, I walk through the sprayed area and then onto my lawn, how long until I am not going to be…
Vaccano
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What's an organic way to discourage crabgrass from a large "lawn"?

I have a large area that's infested with crabgrass. I'd like to use organic methods to encourage the grass mix over the crabgrass. The fact that it's a large area means I can't afford to apply (nor do I want to) herbicides. The soil is acidic and…
bstpierre
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Is it possible to kill a large area of weeds organically/naturally?

We've got a ~4500sq/ft back yard that's probably 90% weeds. Is there an organic/natural way to kill off all the weeds so we can start from scratch? With kids and dogs and a swimming pool right beside the area, I'd really rather not spray a ton of…
Shpigford
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What's the best mulch material for a vegetable garden?

I want to lay mulch down around my already established plants to help retain moisture and discourage weeds. Is there a recommended material for this? Or at least some materials I should know to avoid? Update: The choices I'm looking at right now…
Shane
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What are some natural ways of killing ground ivy (creeping charlie)?

We have ground ivy (creeping charlie) that is trying to take over our back yard. We are against using pesticides, as we have a young son. Are there natural/organic ways of beating it (other than just painstakingly pulling it all out)?
David Oneill
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How do I remove dandelions without damaging my lawn?

My lawn is infested with dandelions. Although they're benign, the flowers are fun to play with and the plant has several useful properties, it sure is an eyesore and I'd like to get rid of it. How can I eradicate this weed without damaging my…
Lorem Ipsum
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How can I control thistle in a lawn?

Our back fence (an iron bar fence) borders a golf course, and between us and the fairway is about 50 feet of "native" landscaping. This mostly means long, native grass (some type of crab grass?). Unfortunately, next to one section of my backyard, a…
Nicole
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What is this vine-like weed and how do I kill it?

I have a viney weed growing in my yard. Weed and Feed doesn't seem to affect it. It's slowly spreading to more and more of my yard every year. What is it, and how do I kill it?
antony.trupe
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How can I discourage ragweed from growing?

After three years of pulling, hoeing, and tilling, one corner of my garden is still infested with this vile weed. I live in Southeast Colorado, and the brutally-hot summer days seem to keep it under control except for this one, shaded corner... Is…
Shog9
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How can I control/remove unwanted grass in flower beds?

I have a flower bed with some ground cover, daffodils, tulips and a few shrubs. Lately grass has been growing pretty much everywhere, including through the ground cover. I tried an herbicide called "Over the Top" which is supposed to kill grass…
JYelton
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Can salt be used to control weeds permanently?

I was reading over here that salt can be used to control weeds in paved areas? Is salt an effective way to kill all (or most) plant types? Is it a permanent solution? Will using salt affect ground water (I have a bore) and nearby gardens?
Coomie
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What is the name of this weed with red/green leaves and little white flowers?

I haven't been able to identify this weed which is prolific on the gravel (and garden beds) on the rooftop of my 10-storey condo building in downtown Vancouver, BC. Can anyone identify it and let me know what I should do about it? It has shallow…
lukecyca
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How can I get rid of mint?

I planted mint in my garden a few years ago and it turned out to be a mistake. I should have grown it in a container. I've been pulling out mint each year but can't get rid of it, so I dug up the wooden barrier surrounding the garden, and found mint…
Reactgular
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