Question
Hi Chris, I live in the low desert. I have successfully grown herbs for the past 20 years. I even have a 20 ft tall laurel bay tree. My problem is that in this blazing heat of summer I just cant get out there to pull weeds and more to the point, the grass that crawls in there. In a couple of months the grasses take over the herbs and flowers. I have tried 'round up but it does effect the plants. Is there a plastic or whatever ground cover that I can put down between my plants? Can I use black plastic trash bags? Is there something else you advise? Thanks

Answer
HI Nancy,

I hope you don't have bermuda grass or some other grass that spreads by rhizomes.  If so the only thing to permanently irradicate it is patient and careful digging.  Even roundup won't get every little bit of rhizome.  The grass will regenerate fromt the smallest bit.  I had bermuda in my herb beds originally.  It took diligence believe me.   Regardless of what sort of grass, once you've gotten it all out you can use a heavy organic mulch like shredded tree bark to prevent recurrence.  You must use at least a 4" thick mulch to maintain the garden for a full year however and it will need to be renewed annually.  If you use some sort of weed barrier without removing the rhizomes.  bermuda will continue grow underneath the mulch sidewize till it reaches an unprotected area that has sunlight and will surface there.  U won't see it but it will be just as thick under the mulch as ever.

I'm sorry there is no easier way.  But from my experience one good thorough digging session in fall will eliminate the problem for ever.

Hope that helps

Chris