Weedy Gravel

[tjhaines]

How do you all keep the weeds down around the barn. I have a stone pad and the weeds are relentless. I tried with my box grader but it fills up and doesn't cut the weeds unless i dig it in. Trying not to use a lot of weed killer. but by late summer you can't even tell there is gravel there.

 

[3gunr]

Glyphosate with a little 2,4d in it will kill it and last much longer than gly alone

 

[tjhaines]

was looking for a mechanical method, trying to avoid the Gly, to close to the garden

 

[the old grind]

Weed burning torch. Scorching is usually enough, no need to char & disintegrate. Re-sprouts may demand re-treating in season.

Propane Torch

Amazing deals on this Propane Torch at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

50/50 white vinegar & distilled water or 'stronger' mix. Apply with 1 gal sprayer. Re-sprouts may demand re-treating in season.

 

[Roadworthy]

You could try copper sulfate. You can get the granules and spread them in the area of concern. Roots don't like it!! You could also treat the ground with some kind of pre emergent weed killer while they're dormant.

 

[CADplans]

The OP's hope of not using chemicals, and substituting mechanical results in EXACTLY the opposite results desired.

EVERY time you disturb whatever is under the gravel, you are actually creating a seed bed to sprout the seeds.

I use a type of stone that is similar to what many call "crusher run",
except, what I use has a different type of "fines" in it.

This stuff packs so close to concrete, the results are amazing.

Virginia DOT uses the stuff as a sub-base for new asphalt roads.
All I know, is that it stays put, even on grades, and turns,, and weeds struggle mightily to survive,,,

Once it is in place, I work REALLY hard to resist grading it,,
the less it is worked, the less weeds grow.

If I get some grass,, etc, usually driving over it a couple times will eliminate it.
So, grass in the middle usually requires running over it with a narrow tractor, like my JD 650,,

This DIY roller kills grass (weak grass) in dry conditions.
I pull it at about the max speed of the 650.

The roller is also great for compacting the stuff, and it compacts,, A LOT!

 

[jyoutz]

was looking for a mechanical method, trying to avoid the Gly, to close to the garden

Glyphosphate isn’t soil active or retained. It only affects plants that it’s sprayed on.

 

[ovrszd]

was looking for a mechanical method, trying to avoid the Gly, to close to the garden

Properly applied spray can be next to the garden. Farmers spray their crops and 2ft outside the field flowers and grass are growing.

 

[the old grind]

The OP's hope of not using chemicals, and substituting mechanical results in EXACTLY the opposite results desired.

EVERY time you disturb whatever is under the gravel, you are actually creating a seed bed to sprout the seeds.

Plantains will grow in the fines and silty runoff of crushed limestone or CC. Glypho can be applied w/o spraying or wind drift. Mix per label either way vs 'hot' and add a surfactant if not included. Adding nitrogen will increase uptake. (like 2-4-D weed & feed) A best time to treat weeds is on new growth the day after a good rain and with a little sunshine ahead. (you knew that )

Rope Wick Applicator, Herbicide Wick Applicator, Weed Thief

A rope wick applicator will help you apply herbicides and pesticides directly to the plants you select. We carry hand held and tractor mount wick applicators.

www.agrisupply.com

Hand-held sprayer nozzles should be adjusted to spit droplets vs mist or a conical pattern. The surfactant will assure coverage. RM 43 works best if sprayed to cover ground vs wicked, lacks surfactant. ('Haf-Pynt' @1 oz/gal, etc.) I spend less time treating weeds than I do greasing tractors.

 

[dirttoys]

I believe in better living through chemicals, but, I know a lot of folks don't. As above, if you keep working it, you will pull up seeds (as well as ruining the gravel). Best solution I have seen, throw a strip of carpet over it for 3 or 4 days, then move it to the next spot of interest. Works every time.

Best,

ed