Weeds and Grass - Ask Extension
I recently bought a home wher the previous owner had an extensive garden but because of his health for 3 years the garden was unattended and was taken...
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Weeds and Grass #648958
Asked June 10, 2020, 3:07 PM EDT
I recently bought a home wher the previous owner had an extensive garden but because of his health for 3 years the garden was unattended and was taken over with weeds and tall grass. I tried to dig out the weeds and grass but the grass and some weeds are coming back. Is there something I can treat the garden with to kill the grass without damaging the soil?
Thanks
Thanks
Adams County Colorado
Expert Response
Here is a good way to clear an area of weeds and grass:
Solarization is a method of heating the soil to kill roots, weed seeds, and soil borne insects and diseases near the soil surface. In regions with hot summer temperatures, it is effective in open areas will full sun. However, do not solarize the soil in the rooting area of trees, shrubs, and other desired plants. Steps include the following:
1. Remove vegetation by mowing short.
2. Sprinkle irrigate the area.
3. Cover the area with 4 mil clear plastic (not black). Bury the edges of the plastic all the way around the plot.
4. Leave in place for 4 to 6 weeks when hot, 8 to 10 weeks in cooler weather.
5. After removing the plastic, avoid deep cultivation that would bring up
weed seeds, insects, and disease pathogens from deeper soils.
Solarization is a method of heating the soil to kill roots, weed seeds, and soil borne insects and diseases near the soil surface. In regions with hot summer temperatures, it is effective in open areas will full sun. However, do not solarize the soil in the rooting area of trees, shrubs, and other desired plants. Steps include the following:
1. Remove vegetation by mowing short.
2. Sprinkle irrigate the area.
3. Cover the area with 4 mil clear plastic (not black). Bury the edges of the plastic all the way around the plot.
4. Leave in place for 4 to 6 weeks when hot, 8 to 10 weeks in cooler weather.
5. After removing the plastic, avoid deep cultivation that would bring up
weed seeds, insects, and disease pathogens from deeper soils.
Also if you are willing to consider a herbicide (does not harm the soil), Grass B Gon targets only grasses and does not harm perennials/trees. It will not address the weeds.
And here is a link to detailed information about solarization https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/agriculture/soil-solarization-an-alternative-to-soil-fumigants-0-505/
And here is a link to detailed information about solarization https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/agriculture/soil-solarization-an-alternative-to-soil-fumigants-0-505/
