Question
I have about an acre of natural hardwoods that come up to the edge of my lawn and vege garden.  It's about an acre and in the past I am ashamed to day I have sprayed tons of Roundup to control chickweed, henbit, broomstraw and some other stuff I don't know the names of.  Even though there is decent leaf coverage on the ground, they grow on top of the leaves and it's too much to do by hand.

Can you help with suggestions for spraying or granular application?  It's February and some of them are already out there!

Thanks,
Melissa

Answer
Melissa,

You can use straight horticultural vinegar (20% acid vs the 5% in stores) or a product that uses citrus oil to kill the weeds(natures avenger).  These products are not selective and will damage or kill any vegetation they come in contact with.  The process is very simple, the oils or acid draws water out of the plant faster than the plant can replace it.  Tough or large weeds will often require a repeat application.

The acid and oil based weed killer does not come without some need for caution.  Gloves and eye protection along with following the directions.  More is not better, but with a thorough understanding of the reason for the results and the continued effort to use ecologically sensible products you are well on your way to working with nature not against her.

Best of luck this growing season.