AngelsGarden's Blog

Summer Weeding
Jun 14, 2007 | 3:55 PM PST
Tags: grass , weeding , herbicide , pole beans , zucchini , weather

We are going into the hotter part of the summer.  It has been over 90 and up to 100 for the last couple of weeks.  At this point in my garden most of the work that needs done is just weeding.  Over the last few days I have been trying to eradicate, at least to some degree, the grass that is taking over.  Even where I put down newspapers and mulch there is this nightmare type of grass that is growing by leaps and bounds.  It spreads under and above ground by runners.  When I try to pull it I have to be very careful or it will break inbetween the nodes where it has put down roots.  I have tried just spraying vinegar on it.  The grass just laughs,  "I will conquer!", it says.  The only solution seems to be the Chair and Pitch Fork method.  I loosen the soil and meticulously remove as many root and runner pieces as possible.  We have had frequent afternoon showers lately so the soil is cooperative with this method.  I will continue to work on this problem, I think that if I make sure that I clean really good this fall also and don't let it get out of hand this winter that will make a big difference for the next summer growing season.  Something for everyone to remember....IF YOU HAVE WEED OR GRASS THAT SPREADS BY RUNNERS OR CURRENTLY HAS SEEDS, USING A TILLER IN THAT AREA WILL ONLY MULTIPLY YOUR PROBLEMS LATER.  Planing ahead would have saved me at least some of this headache.  I could have sprayed with an herbicide that is stronger, right now I wouldn't because of all of the veggies growing.  At least now the side affects from my heart medication have leveled off and I have more energy to get out there and tackle this problem.

The green and purple pole beans are doing great.  Especially the purple, this morning I harvested a gallon size zip-lock bag full.  I also got my first zucchini!