In article , Mark
writes

fred wrote in message ...

That depends on how selective you are in applying it, the surrounding
vegetation and what you hope to plant to replace the dandelions .

I'd be wary of using it with much hope of selectivity:

"Sodium Chlorate - a non-selective contact herbicide, killing all green
plant parts and has a soil-sterilant effect. It may persist in soil for
6 months to 5 years, depending on rate applied, soil type, fertility,
organic matter, moisture, and weather conditions. It is highly toxic to
animals and humans, breaking down red blood cells."


That's only relevant if you mix it at full strength and apply it with a
watering can drenching everything including the soil, which makes it ideal
for paths and driveways.
If you apply it sparingly only on the plants you want to zap,then remove the
foliage once it has died back the soil is good to plant within weeks,{1}

I know this as fact as I have used it like this for many years on property
development gardens and our own.
Glyphosate will also zap everything it touches if used indiscriminately but
does not remain active in the soil, its also substantially more expensive.

{1} NOT vegetables or anything edible, IMHO all kitchen gardens should be
100pc organic and herbicide free

Thanks for the extra info, it seems if used carefully it is not as bad
as I thought. I was a bit worried too about leeching and spread into
adjoining areas and plan to still keep it off banks above planted
borders.
--
fred
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