|
|
Post by binnylou on Jul 25, 2015 8:15:16 GMT -5
The asparagus bed was suffering a weed attack caused by neglect. So, about 10 days ago, I started mowing it down with the weed whacker. Hubby finished the job with the riding mower. Now I see that I have lots of new asparagus shoots...and the weeds did not stop growing either. It was so bad with weeds, I was ready to throw in the towel on trying to save the asparagus.
Question is, can I spray full strength vinegar on those weeds? And expect them to die? I would use a bucket with the bottom removed to keep the spray from drifting to the asparagus.
Opinions? Just don't lecture me about the roots needing all that growth to feed the plant. I know that, but just had to find a way to get the bed under control. As it was, there was no way that I could get in there to start weeding...not on the walker/crutches.
Red, find me an emoticon on crutches...preferably a dancing one, please. :-*
|
|
|
|
Post by James on Jul 25, 2015 8:26:15 GMT -5
You may hand pull weeds. Best not to disturb the asparagus with hoeing at this time. After the fall frost, you may cultivate the plot shallowly. Vinegar? I don't know, never used it for that purpose. My guess: the asparagus will come in the Spring if it gets weeded or not. Take care of yourself.
|
|
|
|
Post by tbird on Jul 25, 2015 8:27:55 GMT -5
can you cut down and then cardboard mulch around the asparagus? then some top layer mulch that is more attractive?
|
|
|
|
Post by lilolpeapicker on Jul 25, 2015 8:59:06 GMT -5
Or if you do 't have enough card board maybe you can find the paper mulch I put on my front garden garden that I created....under Tueday's Project. I'll go out and see if there is a brand name to it. It is suppose to work for a full season. I'll be back in.
It is called DeWitt Organic Garden Paper Mulch. It is a bit pricy though. $15 for 40' I purchased at a local garden center.
|
|
|
|
Post by binnylou on Jul 25, 2015 9:13:51 GMT -5
I have cardboard and bagged wood mulch available. It's the physical mechanics that are the issues I'm trying to work around. This asparagus bed has been mulched heavily the first couple of years after being planted...leaves, ornamental cut grass, hosta leaves, cypress. Unfortunately, those darned weed seeds grow just fine in all that mulch. Bending and pulling weeds is not an option...I have bending restrictions due to new hip replacement.
|
|
|
|
Post by octave on Jul 25, 2015 9:32:50 GMT -5
@binny
I would refrain from using vinegar to control weeds.
With vinegar you'd essentially kill weeds but also damage the asparagus.
Not sure if vinegar would also alter the soil pH, but that may also occur where the vinegar drips. Then you'll find that nothing grows there.
How big is this plot? It is true that weeds grow faster than asparagus, nonetheless asparagus has deeper roots.
I'd say for the time being leave it alone.
|
|
|
|
Post by lilolpeapicker on Jul 25, 2015 9:33:27 GMT -5
I have used up all my cardboard this year in the garden. So I am trying out this garden paper. I have so much crabgrass EVERYWHERE! I had to do something.
|
|
|
|
Post by OregonRed on Jul 25, 2015 9:45:55 GMT -5
binny:
I'll keep looking for dancing ;)
|
|
|
|
Post by binnylou on Jul 25, 2015 10:57:43 GMT -5
Not sure if vinegar would also alter the soil pH Thanks for thinking when I wasn't...  |
|
|
|
Post by lilolpeapicker on Jul 25, 2015 11:15:59 GMT -5
That's why we help each other....we are imperfect beings that need help when we goof up! We are here for this very reason :-S
|
|
|
|
Post by brownrexx on Jul 25, 2015 11:58:33 GMT -5
I have so much crabgrass EVERYWHERE The crabgrass is awful here too and I can't seem to keep ahead of it. The good thing about it is that it is an annual so if you can keep if from going to seed, it will die over the winter. |
|
|
|
Post by mrsk on Jul 26, 2015 11:49:40 GMT -5
go to the second hand store and get junk clothes. Cotton is best, but really any porous material will work. Cover thickly the space between asparagus, leaving asparagus and weed growing close together alone. Soak the material and drop or throw where you want (no bending) slightly rearrange with a hoe.
The wet material will stay in place betterr than cardboard, and will smother from the light the weeds in the middle.
Next spring, when you are feeling more the thing, you can pull the weeds near the aspargus plants.
Mrs K
|
|
|
|
Post by johnrf on Jul 27, 2015 12:31:24 GMT -5
I don't think you should put vinegar in the bed. I just sit down by my bed pull the weeds and leave them laying on top of the bed. Been doing this for years and the resulting soil is the best in the garden. And sometimes the weeds get really big but the asparagus doesn't seem to care. I've got a 30 year old bed, with several newer plants to replace those that disappeared over the years. I only weed throughly in the spring so I don't miss any spears. By this time of year I just let it go, may not weed again until next spring...
|
|
|
|
Post by mrsk on Jul 27, 2015 14:49:22 GMT -5
I think that asparagus often grows wild, so I am thinking that it can withstand a little weed competition,.
|
|
