Weed Control

General Weed Killers

Vinegar:
This solution will kill broadleaf plants as well as grass plants so be careful where you spray it. Mix together 3 parts vinegar to 1 part dishwashing liquid. Spray the mixture in a narrow stream on the leaves and at the base of the plant.
Boiling Water:
Boiling water will kill any plant and seed it touches. Using a funnel, pour it on the plant, being careful not to splash any desirable plants.
Alcohol:
Mix 1 tablespoon rubbing alcohol with 1 litre of water. Thoroughly but lightly spray the weeds. This will kill all plants, so be careful where you spray it. For tougher weeds, you can increase the amount of alcohol.

Prevent - Dandelions
Minimize dandelions by cutting them down before the flowers go to seed. Mow your lawn before the flowers mature to seed heads. In the garden, use a deep organic mulch to control dandelions.

Dandelions thrive in acidic, compacted soil. Check the pH of your soil with a home testing kit and adjust the pH if necessary.

Control - Dandelions
Dig them out, removing as much root as possible. Spot treat the hole with boiling water. Spread grass seed on the bare spot to prevent weeds from returning.

Prevent Quack Grass
Quack grass thrives in compacted soil with low organic matter. Make your lawn inhospitable by aerating at least once a year and by adding organic matter such as compost.

Control Quack Grass
Smother quack grass beneath a cover.

To use a crop that will also build soil quality, remove all desirable plants from the problem area. Till the soil and broadcast buckwheat seed. Just before the buckwheat flowers, till it under and re-seed with buckwheat. Repeat the till and seed process before the second growth blossoms. In the fall, till the third stand of buckwheat in and replant heavily with crimson clover. The next year, allow the clover to flower and till it under. The area is now ready to plant again.

To smother quack grass with mulch, cover the area to a depth of at least one foot (12") with dry grass clippings or leaves. Leave for a full season and turn or till into soil the following spring. Use a physical barrier such as plastic or anything else that will prevent water and sun from reaching the soil beneath.

Prevent - Chickweed
The presence of chickweed in your garden indicates frequent tillage and high fertility. Reduce the frequency with which you turn your soil and hold off adding more organic material.

Prevent - Thistles
The best way to prevent thistles is to use a heavy-duty mulch. Corrugated cardboard works well. Cover the cardboard with a more decorative mulch if you are concerned about the appearance.

Prevent Creeping Charlie
Borax works well on creeping charlie. Note: it may cause yellowing of nearby grasses. If yellowing occurs, mow the grass frequently and it should clear up within 6 weeks.

Mix together 5 teaspoons borax and 1 litre of water. (Measure the borax exactly- too little won't work and too much can kill your lawn). Spray to cover a 2.5 square metre area. Fertilize and water the grass afterwards so it rapidly fills in the space left by the weeds.

Although these weed control methods are natural, it is important to remember that some of them can still be harmful to pets and children.
Label and store all mixtures out of reach of children and keep animals and people away from areas that have been treated with a potent mixture.