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Author Comment

robotec
Plainfield, IL

September 14, 2009 12:49 PM

What is the most effective option for keeping weeds and grass out of garden beds? I planted a new patio garden bed a few weeks ago and I'm seeing weeds and grass already.

decklife
Rockport, TX
(Zone 9b)

September 14, 2009 02:17 PM

A thick layer of mulch is your first line of defense, that plus plucking the weeds quick as they appear. I use black plastic pound-in edging, which helps some. Round-Up can be squirted on the stubborn weeds but be careful not to hit your bedding plants.

themoonhowl
Prairieville, LA
(Zone 9a)

September 14, 2009 07:16 PM

You can also use a preemergent treatment like Preen or Amaze. You need to be sure and read the label directions carefully. It will help stop seeds from sprouting.

http://www.allaboutlawns.com/lawn-weeds-pests/weed-control-b...

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=howTo&p=LawnGarden/wee...

decklife
Rockport, TX
(Zone 9b)

September 15, 2009 01:05 AM

Are pre-emergents suitable for garden beds?

themoonhowl
Prairieville, LA
(Zone 9a)

September 15, 2009 07:40 AM

Unless you are starting plants in the bed from seed, or using plants that you want to reseed, otherwise, yes.

robotec
Plainfield, IL

September 15, 2009 10:05 PM

Well, the mulch was already there, but I should've mixed in some preen with the soil before planting. I ended up using round up and was careful not to get any on my plants. We'll see if I was careful enough in a couple of days.

themoonhowl
Prairieville, LA
(Zone 9a)

September 16, 2009 12:07 AM

Hey decklife. rather than run the risk of accidently squirting a favorite plant with round up, get one of the cheapo catsup squeeze bottles from the $ Store. Mix your round-up and then just squeeze a little on the weeds....no overspray to damage your pretties....and lots of dead weeds.

decklife
Rockport, TX
(Zone 9b)

September 17, 2009 03:32 AM

That is a very very good idea. I don't like spraying anyway, plus the Ready-to-Use sprayers sometimes dribble where you don't want stuff killed. Excellent idea!

themoonhowl
Prairieville, LA
(Zone 9a)

September 17, 2009 11:12 AM

Glad to help. My weed killing arsenal includes squirt bottles, paint brushes, a paint roller and pan, a flexible plastic kitchen cutting board and one of those plastic tubes with the sponge on it that is supposed to hold dish soap. Options, give me options....grin

flowerjen
central, NJ
(Zone 6b)

September 17, 2009 02:06 PM

Edging helps a lot to keep grass encroaching on your garden.
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