- The method of attack on weeds will vary according to the kind of weed. There are annual and perennial weeds. Annuals are primarily grasses, and they seed prolifically, which gives them the advantage of numbers. Perennial weeds often will have rhizomes that will overwinter and produce new plants in warmer temperatures. Annuals are not that hard to get rid of if you remove them before they seed. Perennials are more difficult. A systemic herbicide is necessary to achieve control in the roots and rhizomes.
- There is really nothing fancy about the boiling water method. The idea is to basically cook the weeds. The extreme heat will destroy the cells and plant tissue, and the weed will die. The boiling water method needs to be applied when pets and children are not near. The water could splatter a curious pet and scald him. As soon as the weed has cooled down, it is safe to allow the pet back outdoors.
- Vinegar contains acetic acid, which is a powerful caustic fluid. It will cause burns on the plant. When salt is added to the mixture, the sodium draws out the moisture in the plant. Unfortunately, the salt will stay in the soil and make it unsuitable for other plants unless it is leached out with quantities of water. The vinegar and salt combination is powerful and works without harming pets. In a quart spray bottle, put 1 cup vinegar, 1 tsp. liquid soap and 1 tbsp. salt. Fill the rest of the way with water and spray the weeds.
- This product is a bit hard to believe in, but Iowa State University did a study that proves cornmeal is a pre-emergent weed killer. When cornmeal is spread across a garden bed, it prevents weed seeds from germinating. The cornmeal was broken down into its components and tested. The protein portion of the grain was the active ingredient. It is not effective in all weed species but works well against the annual grasses and some broad leaf weeds.
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