Meet my new arch nemesis -- crabgrass. Today's project du jour was to go out and try to attack the weeds that are sprouting around the perimeter of my crop circle. Some of you may remember that when I moved into my house, I "inherited" a large, empty, circular patch in my backyard where there had clearly once been a swimming pool. (A fact confirmed by my friend Harriet who frequently reminds me that the people who lived here before had a pool -- with the not-so-subtle question being why I don't have a pool. Also, I found an empty pool box in my shed.) Earlier this summer, I pulled all the weeds from the middle of the crop circle and put down a seed blanket which promised a lovely array of wildflowers. Right now, all I have are some sprouts. (I fear I planted too late to get any blossoms.) Around the perimeter of the sprout area, though, I have noticed weeds growing and starting to creep into the sprout area. So today, I went out to get rid of them.
Have you ever tried to get rid of crabgrass? That shit is nearly impossible! It's long and the roots go so deep and get so tangled up in each other. In short, it was a borderline nightmare! I managed to put enough away from the edges to protect my sprouts, but I have a feeling it could be a continuing battle. I've done some research online as to how to get rid of crabgrass, and it's not particularly encouraging.
Any suggestions?
2 comments:
1. Get a "Weed Hound." It's a tool that allows you to stand and pull the suckers out by their roots. Amazon has pictures and reviews- I bought mine at Home Depot, though I am sure your lover, Menards, would have them too. Not too expensive. Under $20.
2. Mulch is your friend. I used earth-friendly newspaper. I put it down about 8-10 pages thick all around my plants, then watered it down, put mulch down over that, and watered again. The newspaper acts as a barrier to the weeds-- blocks them from getting sun. But it is biodegradable and worms can eat through it, so it's healthy for the soil. Drawbacks: you have to reapply ever season AND raccoons tear it to pieces if they have a mind to.
3. Cuss.
Awesome! I'll look for one of those!
I think at this point in the season, it's just a matter of fighting to protect my sprouts and then really being aggressive in the spring when I try my hand at some more serious landscaping where the crop circle is concerned. I don't know that we have much of a raccoon issue in my neighborhood, but then who knows.
I KNEW you'd be the one with a totally viable and realistic suggestion that wouldn't involve pumping chemicals into my yard. :)
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