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#1
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To Roundup or not Roundup
I have this little patch of land that backs up to my lot that was deeded
to me recently. I have a few areas that I want to plant "regular" grass instead of the stuff that planted itself when it was still farm field. I have hoed the area that I am planting this time to bare ground. I am trying to decide if I just want to go ahead and plant the new grass or if I should nuke the area with Roundup and then wait about 4 weeks before I start on the grass. Any suggestions? -- People thought cybersex was a safe alternative, until patients started presenting with sexually acquired carpal tunnel syndrome.-Howard Berkowitz |
#2
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To Roundup or not Roundup
Kurt Ullman wrote in
m: I have this little patch of land that backs up to my lot that was deeded to me recently. I have a few areas that I want to plant "regular" grass instead of the stuff that planted itself when it was still farm field. I have hoed the area that I am planting this time to bare ground. I am trying to decide if I just want to go ahead and plant the new grass or if I should nuke the area with Roundup and then wait about 4 weeks before I start on the grass. Any suggestions? Use the Roundup and wait. If you don't, you are guaranteed to eventually have weeds like you wouldn't believe. -- Tegger |
#3
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To Roundup or not Roundup
On 6/27/11 9:09 PM, Tegger wrote:
Kurt wrote in m: I have this little patch of land that backs up to my lot that was deeded to me recently. I have a few areas that I want to plant "regular" grass instead of the stuff that planted itself when it was still farm field. I have hoed the area that I am planting this time to bare ground. I am trying to decide if I just want to go ahead and plant the new grass or if I should nuke the area with Roundup and then wait about 4 weeks before I start on the grass. Any suggestions? Use the Roundup and wait. If you don't, you are guaranteed to eventually have weeds like you wouldn't believe. I doubt Roundup will do much good. It has to be sprayed directly on the plant as I remember. There are some pre emerge herbicides that farmers use. The names of those escape me now. You might try the local seed supply place for suggestions. Weeds will grow as long as there is no shade. Some seeds have germinated after literally decades of storage. |
#4
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To Roundup or not Roundup
On Mon, 27 Jun 2011 21:19:28 -0500, Dean Hoffman
wrote: On 6/27/11 9:09 PM, Tegger wrote: Kurt wrote in m: I have this little patch of land that backs up to my lot that was deeded to me recently. I have a few areas that I want to plant "regular" grass instead of the stuff that planted itself when it was still farm field. I have hoed the area that I am planting this time to bare ground. I am trying to decide if I just want to go ahead and plant the new grass or if I should nuke the area with Roundup and then wait about 4 weeks before I start on the grass. Any suggestions? Use the Roundup and wait. If you don't, you are guaranteed to eventually have weeds like you wouldn't believe. I doubt Roundup will do much good. It has to be sprayed directly on the plant as I remember. There are some pre emerge herbicides that farmers use. The names of those escape me now. You might try the local seed supply place for suggestions. Weeds will grow as long as there is no shade. Some seeds have germinated after literally decades of storage. Turn the soil - let ig green up, roundup, turn again, let green up, roundup, turn and seed. |
#5
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To Roundup or not Roundup
On 6/27/2011 8:21 PM, Kurt Ullman wrote:
I have this little patch of land that backs up to my lot that was deeded to me recently. I have a few areas that I want to plant "regular" grass instead of the stuff that planted itself when it was still farm field. I have hoed the area that I am planting this time to bare ground. I am trying to decide if I just want to go ahead and plant the new grass or if I should nuke the area with Roundup and then wait about 4 weeks before I start on the grass. Any suggestions? you could nuke it and throw seed the same day. Roundup doesn't hurt seed. -- Steve Barker remove the "not" from my address to email |
#6
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To Roundup or not Roundup
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#7
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To Roundup or not Roundup
In article ,
Kurt Ullman wrote: I have this little patch of land that backs up to my lot that was deeded to me recently. I have a few areas that I want to plant "regular" grass instead of the stuff that planted itself when it was still farm field. I have hoed the area that I am planting this time to bare ground. I am trying to decide if I just want to go ahead and plant the new grass or if I should nuke the area with Roundup and then wait about 4 weeks before I start on the grass. Any suggestions? If you till the soil once, then let seedlings sprout, and till again, all plant matter will be dead and you won't have to use roundup. Any new unwanted growth will be from seeds that blow in from other areas, and roundup will have no effect on that process anyway. |
#8
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To Roundup or not Roundup
"Dean Hoffman" wrote in message ... On 6/27/11 9:09 PM, Tegger wrote: Kurt wrote in m: I have this little patch of land that backs up to my lot that was deeded to me recently. I have a few areas that I want to plant "regular" grass instead of the stuff that planted itself when it was still farm field. I have hoed the area that I am planting this time to bare ground. I am trying to decide if I just want to go ahead and plant the new grass or if I should nuke the area with Roundup and then wait about 4 weeks before I start on the grass. Any suggestions? Use the Roundup and wait. If you don't, you are guaranteed to eventually have weeds like you wouldn't believe. I doubt Roundup will do much good. It has to be sprayed directly on the plant as I remember. There are some pre emerge herbicides that farmers use. The names of those escape me now. You might try the local seed supply place for suggestions. Weeds will grow as long as there is no shade. Some seeds have germinated after literally decades of storage. Start at a local nursery. Note I did not say WalMart Garden Section, nor Home Depot. Preen is a pre emergent herbicide that works well when applied at the right season. Roundup is good, too, but has to be sprayed on the plant. It is neutralized when it reaches the soil, hence you are not killing the soil for a year or two. But yes, kill it out, then plant. Tilling helps to get out the roots, too. You can simply spray the fresh tilled soil to hit the roots. Spray and wait then hoe or rake. Takes a while, but the time and effort will come back to you later. Steve Heart surgery pending? www.heartsurgerysurvivalguide.com Heart Surgery Survival Guide |
#9
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To Roundup or not Roundup
Kurt Ullman wrote: I have this little patch of land that backs up to my lot that was deeded to me recently. I have a few areas that I want to plant "regular" grass instead of the stuff that planted itself when it was still farm field. I have hoed the area that I am planting this time to bare ground. I am trying to decide if I just want to go ahead and plant the new grass or if I should nuke the area with Roundup and then wait about 4 weeks before I start on the grass. Any suggestions? Cover with black plastic for a few good hot days to bake the soil? Can also apply specialty soil fumigants under the plastic. As someone noted, Roundup has to be applied to actual plants, not soil. |
#10
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To Roundup or not Roundup
On 6/28/2011 7:41 AM, dadiOH wrote:
Kurt Ullman wrote: I have this little patch of land that backs up to my lot that was deeded to me recently. I have a few areas that I want to plant "regular" grass instead of the stuff that planted itself when it was still farm field. I have hoed the area that I am planting this time to bare ground. I am trying to decide if I just want to go ahead and plant the new grass or if I should nuke the area with Roundup and then wait about 4 weeks before I start on the grass. Any suggestions? Since the ground is bare, Roundup will do nothing. A pre-emergent herbicide could help. If the area is sunny, so would staking down some black plastic over the area and letting it cook the ground for a month or so. Good advice. Cook in summer, reseed in early fall. Worry about weeds next year. Eliminating every weed and bug is not advised ) We use insane amounts of poison on our lawns and gardens; better to leave at least some area to native plants and trees. |
#11
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To Roundup or not Roundup
In article
, Smitty Two wrote: In article , Kurt Ullman wrote: I have this little patch of land that backs up to my lot that was deeded to me recently. I have a few areas that I want to plant "regular" grass instead of the stuff that planted itself when it was still farm field. I have hoed the area that I am planting this time to bare ground. I am trying to decide if I just want to go ahead and plant the new grass or if I should nuke the area with Roundup and then wait about 4 weeks before I start on the grass. Any suggestions? If you till the soil once, then let seedlings sprout, and till again, all plant matter will be dead and you won't have to use roundup. Any new unwanted growth will be from seeds that blow in from other areas, and roundup will have no effect on that process anyway. Is hoeing considered tilling in this case or do I need to actually rent something? -- People thought cybersex was a safe alternative, until patients started presenting with sexually acquired carpal tunnel syndrome.-Howard Berkowitz |
#12
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To Roundup or not Roundup
Kurt Ullman wrote in
: In article , Smitty Two wrote: In article , Kurt Ullman wrote: I have this little patch of land that backs up to my lot that was deeded to me recently. I have a few areas that I want to plant "regular" grass instead of the stuff that planted itself when it was still farm field. I have hoed the area that I am planting this time to bare ground. I am trying to decide if I just want to go ahead and plant the new grass or if I should nuke the area with Roundup and then wait about 4 weeks before I start on the grass. Any suggestions? If you till the soil once, then let seedlings sprout, and till again, all plant matter will be dead and you won't have to use roundup. Any new unwanted growth will be from seeds that blow in from other areas, and roundup will have no effect on that process anyway. Is hoeing considered tilling in this case or do I need to actually rent something? Just saw a facebook page where strawbaling was used to kill weeds etc. Second link when you google "hoeing and tilling". I have no idea whether you are talking 20x30 feet, 200x300 feet or 2x3 miles of land. We killed the lawn in front of our first home by covering with newspaper. Worked just fine, and we got a very nice front garden. The next owners of course promptly took all our nice plants out and made it a lawn, but we had 18 years of a nice front flower garden. No chemicals other than mulch. -- Best regards Han email address is invalid |
#13
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To Roundup or not Roundup
"Pete C." wrote in news:4e09c67a$0$32628
: Kurt Ullman wrote: I have this little patch of land that backs up to my lot that was deeded to me recently. I have a few areas that I want to plant "regular" grass instead of the stuff that planted itself when it was still farm field. I have hoed the area that I am planting this time to bare ground. I am trying to decide if I just want to go ahead and plant the new grass or if I should nuke the area with Roundup and then wait about 4 weeks before I start on the grass. Any suggestions? Cover with black plastic for a few good hot days to bake the soil? Can also apply specialty soil fumigants under the plastic. As someone noted, Roundup has to be applied to actual plants, not soil. As Normie said, leave some native plants. Wife's philosophy: Perennials are better. I'll try anything,preferably native or native-like. If it grows, be kind to it. If it doesn't, too bad, onwards with the next plant. Just be careful with invasive plants, such as mints. -- Best regards Han email address is invalid |
#14
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To Roundup or not Roundup
"dadiOH" wrote in :
Han wrote: As Normie said, leave some native plants. Wife's philosophy: Perennials are better. I'll try anything,preferably native or native-like. Would you like a few thousand dog fennel? No, thanks. Tried and discarded, even before we moved to the US in '69. -- Best regards Han email address is invalid |
#15
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To Roundup or not Roundup
In article ,
Kurt Ullman wrote: In article , Smitty Two wrote: In article , Kurt Ullman wrote: I have this little patch of land that backs up to my lot that was deeded to me recently. I have a few areas that I want to plant "regular" grass instead of the stuff that planted itself when it was still farm field. I have hoed the area that I am planting this time to bare ground. I am trying to decide if I just want to go ahead and plant the new grass or if I should nuke the area with Roundup and then wait about 4 weeks before I start on the grass. Any suggestions? If you till the soil once, then let seedlings sprout, and till again, all plant matter will be dead and you won't have to use roundup. Any new unwanted growth will be from seeds that blow in from other areas, and roundup will have no effect on that process anyway. Is hoeing considered tilling in this case or do I need to actually rent something? Hoeing is considered tilling, as long as it's thorough. |
#16
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To Roundup or not Roundup
On 6/28/2011 8:49 AM, Kurt Ullman wrote:
In article , Smitty wrote: In articlePKWdnZ99uLglsZTTnZ2dnUVZ_sSdnZ2d@earthlink .com, Kurt wrote: I have this little patch of land that backs up to my lot that was deeded to me recently. I have a few areas that I want to plant "regular" grass instead of the stuff that planted itself when it was still farm field. I have hoed the area that I am planting this time to bare ground. I am trying to decide if I just want to go ahead and plant the new grass or if I should nuke the area with Roundup and then wait about 4 weeks before I start on the grass. Any suggestions? If you till the soil once, then let seedlings sprout, and till again, all plant matter will be dead and you won't have to use roundup. Any new unwanted growth will be from seeds that blow in from other areas, and roundup will have no effect on that process anyway. Is hoeing considered tilling in this case or do I need to actually rent something? Hoeing is tilling "lite"...tearing up sod, breaking it apart and levelling soil is heavy labor ) The average roto-tiller can't do it well, but a heavy one can. The black plastic approach, or simply putting down heavy mulch (all of next fall's leaves) might make it plantable in the following spring. Or try a cheat...buy a few hostas, plant them here and there, and wait...they grow almost everywhere, shade out most weeds, and make for a nice low-maintenance bed. |
#17
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To Roundup or not Roundup
Kurt Ullman wrote: I have this little patch of land that backs up to my lot that was deeded to me recently. I have a few areas that I want to plant "regular" grass instead of the stuff that planted itself when it was still farm field. I have hoed the area that I am planting this time to bare ground. I am trying to decide if I just want to go ahead and plant the new grass or if I should nuke the area with Roundup and then wait about 4 weeks before I start on the grass. Any suggestions? Hi, I'd plant wild flowers. |
#18
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To Roundup or not Roundup
Han wrote:
[snip] We killed the lawn in front of our first home by covering with newspaper. Worked just fine, and we got a very nice front garden. The next owners of course promptly took all our nice plants out and made it a lawn, but we had 18 years of a nice front flower garden. No chemicals other than mulch. I've seen people around here using cardboard held down with rocks or cinder blocks. Looks like %&!#, but it works. Depending on the size of the area, I'd just pull up the turf. Jon |
#19
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To Roundup or not Roundup
In article ,
Tony Hwang wrote: Kurt Ullman wrote: I have this little patch of land that backs up to my lot that was deeded to me recently. I have a few areas that I want to plant "regular" grass instead of the stuff that planted itself when it was still farm field. I have hoed the area that I am planting this time to bare ground. I am trying to decide if I just want to go ahead and plant the new grass or if I should nuke the area with Roundup and then wait about 4 weeks before I start on the grass. Any suggestions? Hi, I'd plant wild flowers. The wife wants grass. So grass we get (grin) -- People thought cybersex was a safe alternative, until patients started presenting with sexually acquired carpal tunnel syndrome.-Howard Berkowitz |
#20
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To Roundup or not Roundup
In m,
Kurt Ullman typed: I have this little patch of land that backs up to my lot that was deeded to me recently. I have a few areas that I want to plant "regular" grass instead of the stuff that planted itself when it was still farm field. I have hoed the area that I am planting this time to bare ground. I am trying to decide if I just want to go ahead and plant the new grass or if I should nuke the area with Roundup and then wait about 4 weeks before I start on the grass. Any suggestions? Try reading the instructions on the product! |
#21
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To Roundup or not Roundup
Oren wrote:
On Mon, 27 Jun 2011 21:21:59 -0400, Kurt Ullman wrote: I have this little patch of land that backs up to my lot that was deeded to me recently. I have a few areas that I want to plant "regular" grass instead of the stuff that planted itself when it was still farm field. I have hoed the area that I am planting this time to bare ground. I am trying to decide if I just want to go ahead and plant the new grass or if I should nuke the area with Roundup and then wait about 4 weeks before I start on the grass. Any suggestions? So far I'm the only one thinking of using a propane torch :-/ $20 @ HF -- hook it to you propane tank -- scorched earth policy http://www.harborfreight.com/propane-torch-91033.html I've seen tomato farmers burn large acreage with torches to kill weeds, etc.. Torches may just kill to the roots, leaving them to resprout. "Weed burner" use is illegal here in Seattle, maybe elsewhere. |
#22
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To Roundup or not Roundup
On 6/28/2011 6:41 AM, dadiOH wrote:
Kurt Ullman wrote: I have this little patch of land that backs up to my lot that was deeded to me recently. I have a few areas that I want to plant "regular" grass instead of the stuff that planted itself when it was still farm field. I have hoed the area that I am planting this time to bare ground. I am trying to decide if I just want to go ahead and plant the new grass or if I should nuke the area with Roundup and then wait about 4 weeks before I start on the grass. Any suggestions? Since the ground is bare, Roundup will do nothing. A pre-emergent herbicide could help. If the area is sunny, so would staking down some black plastic over the area and letting it cook the ground for a month or so. Most pre-emergent herbicides will also kill the sprouting grass seed. This is a two-step task: seeding and weed control. The OP has to decide which one to do first. Since we're headed into the hottest time of the year, I'd suggest waiting a month or so anyway to start the lawn, and it sounds like that's what he planned to do anyway. If he wants to hit emerging weeds in the meantime with Roundup or Finale, that'd be okay. Broadleaved-only weedkillers persist in the soil for several weeks, so he should avoid using those. If he wants to use a pre-emergent, he'll need to look for one that won't harm grass seedlings. Not all that easy to find, and it's a good bit more expensive. I'd not worry too much about weed control for the time being. If it's a smaller area, the weeds can be prevented by laying a barrier over the area. When he's ready to seed, he can remove the barrier (I have some old tarps I keep for this), apply a starter fertilizer, and seed or sod. Once the grass is up and has been mowed at least three times, he can safely apply a weedkiller if he needs to do so. |
#23
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To Roundup or not Roundup
"Kurt Ullman" wrote in message
m... In article , Tony Hwang wrote: Kurt Ullman wrote: I have this little patch of land that backs up to my lot that was deeded to me recently. I have a few areas that I want to plant "regular" grass instead of the stuff that planted itself when it was still farm field. I have hoed the area that I am planting this time to bare ground. I am trying to decide if I just want to go ahead and plant the new grass or if I should nuke the area with Roundup and then wait about 4 weeks before I start on the grass. Any suggestions? Hi, I'd plant wild flowers. The wife wants grass. So grass we get (grin) Then you should also let her mow the grass.. :-)) |
#24
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To Roundup or not Roundup
"Steve B" wrote in message ... "Dean Hoffman" wrote in message ... On 6/27/11 9:09 PM, Tegger wrote: Kurt wrote in m: I have this little patch of land that backs up to my lot that was deeded to me recently. I have a few areas that I want to plant "regular" grass instead of the stuff that planted itself when it was still farm field. I have hoed the area that I am planting this time to bare ground. I am trying to decide if I just want to go ahead and plant the new grass or if I should nuke the area with Roundup and then wait about 4 weeks before I start on the grass. Any suggestions? Use the Roundup and wait. If you don't, you are guaranteed to eventually have weeds like you wouldn't believe. I doubt Roundup will do much good. It has to be sprayed directly on the plant as I remember. There are some pre emerge herbicides that farmers use. The names of those escape me now. You might try the local seed supply place for suggestions. Weeds will grow as long as there is no shade. Some seeds have germinated after literally decades of storage. Start at a local nursery. Note I did not say WalMart Garden Section, nor Home Depot. Why? All of the stores above have both products that you mentioned, including Roundup which is the suitable one. Preen is a pre emergent herbicide that works well when applied at the right season. This pre-emergent is equally effective against the grass seed he wants to plant, meaning it will not grow. Roundup is good, too, but has to be sprayed on the plant. It is neutralized when it reaches the soil, hence you are not killing the soil for a year or two. But yes, kill it out, then plant. Tilling helps to get out the roots, too. You can simply spray the fresh tilled soil to hit the roots. Spray and wait then hoe or rake. Takes a while, but the time and effort will come back to you later. Steve |
#25
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To Roundup or not Roundup
"Hell Toupee" wrote in message ... On 6/28/2011 6:41 AM, dadiOH wrote: Kurt Ullman wrote: I have this little patch of land that backs up to my lot that was deeded to me recently. I have a few areas that I want to plant "regular" grass instead of the stuff that planted itself when it was still farm field. I have hoed the area that I am planting this time to bare ground. I am trying to decide if I just want to go ahead and plant the new grass or if I should nuke the area with Roundup and then wait about 4 weeks before I start on the grass. Any suggestions? Since the ground is bare, Roundup will do nothing. A pre-emergent herbicide could help. If the area is sunny, so would staking down some black plastic over the area and letting it cook the ground for a month or so. Most pre-emergent herbicides will also kill the sprouting grass seed. Finally, some sanity. This is a two-step task: seeding and weed control. The OP has to decide which one to do first. Since we're headed into the hottest time of the year, I'd suggest waiting a month or so anyway to start the lawn, and it sounds like that's what he planned to do anyway. If he wants to hit emerging weeds in the meantime with Roundup or Finale, that'd be okay. Broadleaved-only weedkillers persist in the soil for several weeks, so he should avoid using those. If he wants to use a pre-emergent, he'll need to look for one that won't harm grass seedlings. Not all that easy to find, and it's a good bit more expensive. I'd not worry too much about weed control for the time being. If it's a smaller area, the weeds can be prevented by laying a barrier over the area. When he's ready to seed, he can remove the barrier (I have some old tarps I keep for this), apply a starter fertilizer, and seed or sod. Once the grass is up and has been mowed at least three times, he can safely apply a weedkiller if he needs to do so. All sound advice. |
#26
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To Roundup or not Roundup
"Bob F" wrote in message ... Oren wrote: On Mon, 27 Jun 2011 21:21:59 -0400, Kurt Ullman wrote: I have this little patch of land that backs up to my lot that was deeded to me recently. I have a few areas that I want to plant "regular" grass instead of the stuff that planted itself when it was still farm field. I have hoed the area that I am planting this time to bare ground. I am trying to decide if I just want to go ahead and plant the new grass or if I should nuke the area with Roundup and then wait about 4 weeks before I start on the grass. Any suggestions? So far I'm the only one thinking of using a propane torch :-/ $20 @ HF -- hook it to you propane tank -- scorched earth policy http://www.harborfreight.com/propane-torch-91033.html I've seen tomato farmers burn large acreage with torches to kill weeds, etc.. Torches may just kill to the roots, leaving them to resprout. Exactly. I was recently looking to buy one of the propane based torches for a slightly different application and was amazed at how many people think they are a good solution for weeds in pavers, driveway cracks, etc. I agree with you, a torch will burn the top of the plant and in many cases the roots survive and the plant comes back. Compare that approach to using one of the extended duration vegetation killers, eg Roundup extended, which not only kills the whole thing, but prevents any new seeds from germinating for a couple months. I was looking for the propane torch to burn off the remaining short DEAD weeds in a rock bed after killing them first with Roundup. |
#27
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To Roundup or not Roundup
On 6/27/2011 9:21 PM, Kurt Ullman wrote:
I have this little patch of land that backs up to my lot that was deeded to me recently. I have a few areas that I want to plant "regular" grass instead of the stuff that planted itself when it was still farm field. I have hoed the area that I am planting this time to bare ground. I am trying to decide if I just want to go ahead and plant the new grass or if I should nuke the area with Roundup and then wait about 4 weeks before I start on the grass. Any suggestions? I didn't see "little" in the OP; how little is "little"? A 10'x10' might be little in a large lawn, but it's getting big when you start cultivating....Whatever means you use to kill grass/weeds now, you still need to deal with sod (roots) before you smooth the soil and plant seeds. You will also have some weed seed that continues to germinate for two to three years, but is relatively easy to deal with later. In most areas, this is not ideal time of year to plant grass seed, but is doable if you mulch lightly with straw and water lightly and often. Roundup now will kill most of what is presently growing, but leaves tilling to be done to get rid of roots/sod before you seed, and by the time all present growth is "dead", you likely will have more weed seed germinated. So, what I'm trying to say is that tilling, chopping, pulling out most roots by hand, then raking and seeding without Roundup will probably be as practical as using Roundup. Sod might be more practical than seeding, but still must be cared for until it takes root; not very expensive for DIY. |
#28
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To Roundup or not Roundup
On Thu, 30 Jun 2011 10:38:14 -0400, "
wrote: On 6/27/2011 9:21 PM, Kurt Ullman wrote: I have this little patch of land that backs up to my lot that was deeded to me recently. I have a few areas that I want to plant "regular" grass instead of the stuff that planted itself when it was still farm field. I have hoed the area that I am planting this time to bare ground. I am trying to decide if I just want to go ahead and plant the new grass or if I should nuke the area with Roundup and then wait about 4 weeks before I start on the grass. Any suggestions? I didn't see "little" in the OP; how little is "little"? A 10'x10' might be little in a large lawn, but it's getting big when you start cultivating....Whatever means you use to kill grass/weeds now, you still need to deal with sod (roots) before you smooth the soil and plant seeds. You will also have some weed seed that continues to germinate for two to three years, but is relatively easy to deal with later. In most areas, this is not ideal time of year to plant grass seed, but is doable if you mulch lightly with straw and water lightly and often. Roundup now will kill most of what is presently growing, but leaves tilling to be done to get rid of roots/sod before you seed, and by the time all present growth is "dead", you likely will have more weed seed germinated. So, what I'm trying to say is that tilling, chopping, pulling out most roots by hand, then raking and seeding without Roundup will probably be as practical as using Roundup. Sod might be more practical than seeding, but still must be cared for until it takes root; not very expensive for DIY. You definitely want to run at LEAST two cycles of green and kill before either sodding or seeding, or you will be fighting a constant battle with weeds. "burn" it down with roundup, then till and remove as much rood matter as possible by raking - wait for it to green up again (water it if it doesn't rain) then hit it with roundup again to kill it, and till it again - removing as much root material as possible. If it greened up relatively quickly first time around, you might want to let it go one more time around before seeding. If you are sodding, a pre-emergent herbicide in the tilled soil as you rake it down just before laying the sod would be good insurance, as it will kill any seeds still in the soil, without affecting the root system of the sod. I didn't have that option when I renovated my yard a few years back because I chose to seed instead of sod. Penny wise and pound foolish..... |
#29
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To Roundup or not Roundup
"Chet" wrote:
All of the stores above have both products that you mentioned, including Roundup which is the suitable one. You do need to be observant with the Roundup - they come in all different concentrations from ready-mix to 45%.The higherconcentrations tend to be less expensive on an after adding water basis. |
#30
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To Roundup or not Roundup
"Chet" wrote:
many people think they are a good solution for weeds in pavers, driveway cracks, etc. Plus torches are crap on green weeds - they work fine on dried/brown weeds. |
#31
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To Roundup or not Roundup
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#32
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To Roundup or not Roundup
On Jun 27, 6:21*pm, Kurt Ullman wrote:
I have this little patch of land that backs up to my lot that was deeded to me recently. I have a few areas that I want to plant "regular" grass instead of the stuff that planted itself when it was still farm field. I have hoed the area that I am planting this time to bare ground. I am trying to decide if I just want to go ahead and plant the new grass or if I should nuke the area with Roundup and then wait about 4 weeks before I start on the grass. Any suggestions? I'm with the respondents who advised "baking" the area with black plastic. But it should be left on more than "a few days"unless you are in a terrible hurry. I hate Monsanto enough that I beat myself up every time I use Roundup to kill weeds in a very rocky, hard-to-reach area. In fact, next time I'll just use boiling water and see how THAT works out. You didn't say how big the area is. That might have a bearing on how much black plastic you have to buy. Others have suggested newspaper held down with rocks. As a scientific experiment, you could run a test with 1/2 area black plastic, 1/2 area thick newspaper w/rocks. Should be quite interesting. Also consider posting on rec.gardens - knowledgeable folks. HB |
#33
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To Roundup or not Roundup
In article
, Higgs Boson wrote: I'm with the respondents who advised "baking" the area with black plastic. Uh, plastic sheeting isn't used to "bake" the plants, it's used to stop photosynthesis. |
#34
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To Roundup or not Roundup
On Thu, 30 Jun 2011 22:33:19 -0700, "Bob F" wrote:
wrote: "burn" it down with roundup, then till and remove as much rood matter as possible by raking - wait for it to green up again (water it if it doesn't rain) then hit it with roundup again to kill it, and till it again - removing as much root material as possible. Skip the roundup. Tilling weeds under shortly after they sprout will kill them. Just do that several times. It worked great for me converting a weed patch to ornamantal garden beds. I tilled 3-4 times over a couple months of a Seattle summer. Another method I've heard is to till the ground, then cover it with *clear* plastic over the early part of the summer. The light encourages the weeds to germinate then the heat cooks them. Grass can then be planted in the late summer or early fall, which is usually the best time to do it. |
#35
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To Roundup or not Roundup
On Fri, 01 Jul 2011 15:50:16 -0700, Smitty Two
wrote: In article , Higgs Boson wrote: I'm with the respondents who advised "baking" the area with black plastic. Uh, plastic sheeting isn't used to "bake" the plants, it's used to stop photosynthesis. Not if its clear. It'll let them sprout then bake 'em good. |
#36
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To Roundup or not Roundup
In article ,
" wrote: On Fri, 01 Jul 2011 15:50:16 -0700, Smitty Two wrote: In article , Higgs Boson wrote: I'm with the respondents who advised "baking" the area with black plastic. Uh, plastic sheeting isn't used to "bake" the plants, it's used to stop photosynthesis. Not if its clear. It'll let them sprout then bake 'em good. Never seen that clear black plastic around here, but maybe it's a regional thing. |
#37
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To Roundup or not Roundup
On Fri, 01 Jul 2011 20:19:07 -0700, Smitty Two
wrote: In article , " wrote: On Fri, 01 Jul 2011 15:50:16 -0700, Smitty Two wrote: In article , Higgs Boson wrote: I'm with the respondents who advised "baking" the area with black plastic. Uh, plastic sheeting isn't used to "bake" the plants, it's used to stop photosynthesis. Not if its clear. It'll let them sprout then bake 'em good. Never seen that clear black plastic around here, but maybe it's a regional thing. I understand what you were responding to, but *you* didn't specify black. The trick works very well with *clear* plastic. Black, not so much. Seeds will outlast you if they remain dormant. |
#38
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To Roundup or not Roundup
On Jul 1, 3:50*pm, Smitty Two wrote:
In article , *Higgs Boson wrote: I'm with the respondents who advised "baking" the area with black plastic. * Uh, plastic sheeting isn't used to "bake" the plants, it's used to stop photosynthesis. OK, so you don't like the term "bake". Fact is, sun beating down on black plastic overheats the area underneath, killing vegetation. Alsoblocks direct sun (which newspapers would also do), thus "stopping photosynthesis". HB |
#39
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To Roundup or not Roundup
On Jul 1, 2:48*pm, Higgs Boson wrote:
On Jun 27, 6:21*pm, Kurt Ullman wrote: I have this little patch of land that backs up to my lot that was deeded to me recently. I have a few areas that I want to plant "regular" grass instead of the stuff that planted itself when it was still farm field. I have hoed the area that I am planting this time to bare ground. I am trying to decide if I just want to go ahead and plant the new grass or if I should nuke the area with Roundup and then wait about 4 weeks before I start on the grass. Any suggestions? I'm with the respondents who advised "baking" the area with black plastic. * But it should be left on more than "a few days"unless you are in a terrible hurry. I hate Monsanto enough that I beat myself up every time I use Roundup to kill weeds in a very rocky, hard-to-reach area. *In fact, next time I'll just use You didn't say how big the area is. *That might have a bearing on how much black plastic you have to buy. *Others have suggested newspaper held down with rocks. As a scientific experiment, you could run a test with 1/2 area black plastic, 1/2 area thick newspaper w/rocks. *Should be quite interesting. Also consider posting on rec.gardens - knowledgeable folks. HB |
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