Community Chat

[tends2dogs]

Wasn't sure where to post this, Home, Garden, or Pet Lovers so I am putting it out here:

Does anyone know a safe way to get rid of weeds in your yard and around walkways that is safe around people and pets?  Going through lymphoma with my dog right now, I have been reading so many bad reports on RoundUp and other toxic chemical products causing cancer, particularly lymphoma.  I have forbid DH from using it and am hoping to find something that will work.  Personally, I could care less, but my DH takes care of the lawn and he wants it to look nice.

I know there are a lot of pet lovers out there, not to mention health conscious people.  What have you come up with?

TIA

[Plaid Pants2]

Pray the weeds away.

[dex]

Hand removal works and it is good exercise and a way to spend time in the yard with your pet.I always played ball and pulled weeds so we both got a workout.I think vinegar kills weeds too but it may be hard on the lawn...you could check that out.i wanted to add that I hope your little doggie isn't feeling too sick.We went through cancer with our girl too but she managed to stay healthy enough for a few years that she had a decent quality of life.

[Marp]

@tends2dogs,thank you for being so conscientious about the needs of your dog.

I've had good success with vinegar.  There is a lot of redundancy in the information from these two links but you might find them helpful.

http://www.garden-counselor-lawn-care.com/vinegar-weed-killer.html

http://homeguides.sfgate.com/use-vinegar-salt-weed-killer-49329.html

Said a little tongue in cheek, if all else fails try goats.  Not only are they effective they can be adorable too.

[GingerPeach]

@Marp and @tends2dogs

I use vinegar, too.  Works great.

I used to think you needed the extra strength you can only buy at a hardware store, but grocery store vinegar works just as well.  Just pour it on.  Get the cheapest white vinegar you can find.

[Lucky Charm]

Best thing to do is to pull them in the spring.  Right after a soaking rain and they come up easily.  My yards are 98% sand except for the house we just bought.  I've been keeping at them since Jan and the grass is literally weed free.  It's an obsession with me....lol.

Sorry about your doggy and I hope it gets better.

Roundup is nasty stuff and I'm really surprised that some posters jump on gardening threads and shout 'Roundup'.  To them I say spray it on your salad, please.

[athenian]

If not too near "good" plants, boiling water in a tea kettle works.  Just be careful not to splash it on you feet, as I learned the hard way.  In beds i just dig them out.  I have an old dandelion puller (a sharp notched head on a long stick) that saves my back.

[gabstoomuch]

I use vinegar and salt in a spray bottle. Sometimes takes a few appplications, 2 or 3 maybe. But the weed never comes back!

Be careful though, it kills anything green, so spray the weed down at the base, right at the ground. It will kill surrounding plants if sprayed randomly.

Kill it at the roots and buh bye weed

[tends2dogs]

I want to thank all that posted a suggestion.  I just came in from pulling them up from around stepping stones. I really don't mind doing it.   I am going to give vinegar and salt a try.  Also, the boiling water doesn't sound too bad either.

In the grass we have what is called dollar weed running through the whole yard.  It is a green shiny round leaf.  I say, hey, it is green, who cares???  It still bugs my DH.  He is retired and this type of thing NEVER caught his attention before......now......what can I say?

Thanks again. 

[KYToby]

Natural DOES NOT equal safe.

Rather than listen to the hysterian on Round Up -- put out there by uneducated people who have no clue about science with an agenda (they hate its manufacturer and will lie through their teeth to damage it), just get something that works.

When used as directed, herbicides and pesticides and be quite effective and completely safe.