Killing weeds/planting grass seed

Lillian McLain
by Lillian McLain
We are contemplating planting grass in our backyard. Question is, how do we kill the small-poky weeds that are all around? Do we use something like Roundup or try the "Hot Water" solution that we have read about?...Also, how do I kill the grass in my flowerbeds that have flowers planted in them? Thanks for any help!! :)
  4 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Apr 18, 2016
    If you lawn is not that big of an area I would recommend smothering out the weeds with heavy black plastic. Once the weeds die down rake them out and put down top soil along with your seeds ,peat moss and seed starting fertilizer, Keep moist until the seeds have established.
  • Debbie Stokes Cotter Debbie Stokes Cotter on Apr 18, 2016
    I cleared a 30' strip of grass with the same technique as Janet. I went to Walmart and bought some cheap tarps, cut them to the desired width I wanted to kill. I also bought garden pins to hold the tarps down. You can also lay newspaper down first then put tarps on top. It did take several weeks, but I now have a beautiful perennial garden along my fence.
  • MN Mom MN Mom on Apr 18, 2016
    If you have scattered weed patches and no grass, you can certainly dig them up and remove them. You will need to level and grade your yard before you lay sod so your weeds can be removed during that process. Weed killers won't necessarily kill grasses growing in your flower garden. Get a hand claw or a device called a Garden Weasel and dig those clumps of grass out, being sure to try and get the roots.
  • Vicki Bowers Davis Vicki Bowers Davis on Apr 18, 2016
    We use layers of newspapers and/or tarp. It saves money and our backs. :D