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How to Choose and Apply Weedkillers
Weeds can be a real problem in some gardens and if you are just about to tackle a neglected or large garden choosing the right weedkillers and applying at the right time could save you a lot of work. It will also help you minimise the use of weedkillers which is a good thing.
Chemicals that control weeds usually work in one of the following ways. 1. Contact action - weeds are killed when the chemical is applied to the plant, only the part in direct contact with the chemical are killed. These weedkillers act quickly but you do need to apply thoroughly. 2. Systemic action - the weedkiller is sprayed on the foliage but is taken inside the plants and moved around, taking the chemical down to roots. These products take longer to work but are good for dealing with problem perennial weeds with deep or extensive roots. 3. Weed preventers - weed seed can lie dormant in the soil for many years. By using a weed preventer on the ground, these weeds can be prevented from germinating. These are useful for dealing with annual weeds as they produce prolific quantities of seed but can only be applied on paths, drives and borders with shrubs in.
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A systemic weedkiller such as one based on glyphosate; rubber gloves; spraying equipment if not supplied; secateurs or loppers; stick.
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You can buy weedkillers that are ready-to-use with their own spray head attached, these are convenient and save you from handling the chemical. For larger areas it is cheaper to buy a concentrate that you dilute yourself, for this you need your own equipment such as a sprayer or watering can just for this purpose. Some weedkillers, such as weed preventers, are applied as granules.
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Always read and follow the instructions on the packet when using weedkillers. When trying to clear and replant an overgrown area, note how long you need to leave the ground before replanting - glyphosate does not persist that long in the soil so you only need to wait a couple of weeks but for other products based on sodium chlorate you might not be able to re-plant for six months. There are other ways of controlling weeds apart from using chemicals but for problem perennial weeds like brambles and nettles it is worth using a systemic weedkiller as follows.
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The best time of year to apply a systemic weedkiller such as glyphosate is in late spring when the plant has started to grow and the plant's transport system is active. It is worth cutting back large perennial weeds like bramble a few weeks before spraying so there is lots of new foliage which will take in the weedkiller better. Weeds with waxy coatings that repel liquids can be made more receptive by beating their foliage with a stick to bruise it.
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Apply the weedkiller as directed on the packet, even if using a ready-to-use spray it is worth wearing rubber gloves to protect your hands from dribbles from the nozzle. When spraying weeds that are amongst garden plants you must take care only to treat the weed, cover nearby garden plants with cardboard boxes while spraying or use a paint-on version to treat the weeds rather than a spray.
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Be patient, it will take several weeks before the weed shows signs of dying. Sometimes new growth is seen and you need to re-apply the product. Dead weeds can then be dug out.
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Mix the right quantity of weedkiller and water |
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Apply when weeds are growing most vigorously |
Apply closely to keep weedkiller off plants |
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