Asked on May 8, 2017

What's a good alternative to chemical weed killers in a flower bed?

Answered

I hate using chemical weed killers in our mulched beds but we have so many weeds and baby tree seedlings coming up it's impossible to weed them all by hand. Is there a good alternative that really works on weeds but won't get down into the soil and mess with the root systems of other 'good' plants?

6 answers

Janet Pizaro
on May 8, 2017

You cannot use chemicals in an established garden bed. You will have to smother the weeds out with newspapers and heavy black plastic if they cannot be pulled.

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Elizabeth Dion
on May 9, 2017

Is your mulch deep enough to block the weed seedlings from coming up? The mulch layer should be 3-4 inches deep.

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- Karin
  on May 10, 2017
  
  The mulch layer is very deep. The seedlings are growing in the mulch itself.
  
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Krystinak
on May 9, 2017

Please don't use chemical weedkiller - it will also kill the 'good' creatures in your garden like our already endangered bees. BTW they love the weeds and wildflowers.

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Joanne
on May 9, 2017

Other than pulling them there is really no easy solution. I have the same. Last year I put 3-4 inches of mulch down. This makes them much easier to pull out. Hope this helps. Good luck.

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Kathi M. Miles
on May 9, 2017

Make your own weed killer! I use a 2 to 1 mixture of vinegar & water with a couple of drops of Dawn dishwashing liquid. Use a spray bottle and drench the leaves of the weed on a sunny day, Not harmful to kids or pets and won't stay in the ground either.

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Debbie/Dragonfly Treasure
on Jun 18, 2018

There are several here on HM:

https://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=weed%20killer

I just soak the area and pull the next day...I need the exercise! LOL

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1 gallon white vinegar and 1 cup salt and 1 tablespoon liquid dish soap Combine ingredients in

spray bottle and treat weeds at the hottest time of day for best results.

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What's a good alternative to chemical weed killers in a flower bed?

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