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central Missouri

I'm considering using a herbicide (very carefully!) to control weeds this year. I don't have any experience with weed killers in my patch but I have been trying to kill weeds elsewhere on my property for years. I've noticed that I've had very little success in the spring before the temperatures hit the low 70's fairly consistently. So, is there anything available that works well below 70 to 75 degrees, and is it safe to use in the patch? Even if it's not something that can be used in the patch I'd still like to know for use elsewhere on my property. Thanks,
Mark

1/30/2006 2:05:36 AM

ENGLAND

Mark
Here in the UK we very rarely, if ever, get temperatures in the 70's at a time in the spring when the weeds are at a size that are big enough to effectively absorb any weed killing chemicals. I use Roundup Glyphosate in the spring and the temperatures are on average between 56 to 65, if we are having a 'Hot' spring, therefor Roundup should work just great for your situation.

Regards
Mike

1/30/2006 5:04:04 AM

Indiana

I have one of those weed burning torches that works pretty good except around mulch that will burn.

1/30/2006 8:28:50 AM

ENGLAND

Weed Burning torches are good for getting rid of the parts of plants that are above the soil but for a more effective riddance of weeds it is ideally best to try and kill the root as well. Roundup Glyphosate kills parts of the plant above ground and the roots as it translocates to the root killing the weed at it's life support system.

1/30/2006 8:37:45 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

glyphosate is a systemic herbicide that has to translocate in order to work. This means the targeted weeds must be actively growing which it won't be doing in early spring.

While no post-emergent herbicide is entirely effective on semi-dormant weeds, Scythe is the best of the non-selectives. It is also a reduced-risk pesticide & has no soil residue wheich is always a good thing.

For retail shoppers look for the active ingredient "pelargonic acid" which is potassium fatty acids.

Propane weed burners are another good idea. Even Acetic acid (high strength vinegar) would kill anything green on contact but will also burn the eyeballs right out of your head so be careful.

1/30/2006 9:19:13 AM

Roselle, IL GJGEM@sbcglobal.net

Prior to fall tilling,I torched my whole patch twice. I did this to try to kill any weed seeds that have fallen.
It was also a lot of fun

1/30/2006 9:29:43 AM