You've lost me completely. You don't need chemicals. Weeding is a part of the routine of gardening and often one of the joys. Working out there with just the fresh air and the birdsong, peace, time to think. I see many people spending a fortune on gym membership and doing classes in relaxation and mindfulness. Weeding is ten times as restorative, it costs nothing and you end up with an improved garden.
I agree with you entirely.
My answers, like that of SYinUSA, was just answering the original posters questions. It is up to them, and other readers, to decide which methods to use.
location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand. "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
I have large areas to weed at my place of work on brick drive ways, paving and patios. I use a combination of a flat scraper , L shaped scraper and wire brush.
It can be quite time consuming and physical but I generally feel satisfied I've manually removed them. If I was less physically able I'd likely have to consider other methods. With regards to herbicide the 'what if' discourages me at present, other methods of salt, bleach etc are a straight no.
As well as manual removal of weeds once they’re visible, regular sweeping of the paving to prevent accumulations of grit, soil and seeds between pavers contributes to a reduction in the necessity to weed quite so often.
‘A stitch in time …’ etc etc etc 😊
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
@Dovefromabove That is it 'A stitch in time' keeping paths clear all year round is the best way. It is also good excercise. I have alot of block paving it gets a sweep every week and a brush between the blocks as tiny weeds appear. If I am tired I just do a little at a time.
The problem is with any chemicals used in the garden is not necessarily the' here and now' but what is found out about them in the future.
The life expectancy of a young gardener working at a big estate in Victorian times was far shorter than that of a young man employed in a city. The Victorians threw everthing at their plants including arsenic.
Yes we know better than that now but not that long ago products like Benlate were used to kill couch grass years later the horrific consequences were found. We seem to be playing catchup and we need to stop in my opinion.
I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
If you are paid to weed, then you may not be motivated to do a job that doesn't need constant repeating.
Manual removal of weeds leaves roots and disturbs seeds. Weeds will return.
At least you know what salt, bleach, vinegar are. Weed-killing chemicals are a big unknown to most people.
I am employed by the care home to garden all aspects of it with set weekly hours, how I use the hours is left to me. It isn't of benefit to me to create additional work, my aim is to get as much done as possible as I want pleasing results for the residents,their families and care home staff.
I do appreciate though that it isn't the quickest/easiest method and some people that see me weeding offer their opinions on how they do it. The way at present is best for me, it isn't always 100% weed free but it's good enough and management are always happy. I'm really not casting judgement on how others weed and what is right for them, just myself.
They do want me to salt during snow and frosts so that's an example where I do use it . If someone slips and hurts or a car slides into another the care home likely wouldn't tolerate other ethical reasons for not using it. I do try to keep its use to a minimum though.
@Astro They are very lucky to have you as their gardener, the benefits of gardening are well known. I am sure there are residents that appreciate your hard work but are unable to express their thanks. You and your caring collegues are wonderful and I would like to thank you .
I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
Posts
My answers, like that of SYinUSA, was just answering the original posters questions. It is up to them, and other readers, to decide which methods to use.
"Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
It can be quite time consuming and physical but I generally feel satisfied I've manually removed them. If I was less physically able I'd likely have to consider other methods. With regards to herbicide the 'what if' discourages me at present, other methods of salt, bleach etc are a straight no.
Manual removal of weeds leaves roots and disturbs seeds. Weeds will return.
At least you know what salt, bleach, vinegar are. Weed-killing chemicals are a big unknown to most people.
"Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
The problem is with any chemicals used in the garden is not necessarily the' here and now' but what is found out about them in the future.
The life expectancy of a young gardener working at a big estate in Victorian times was far shorter than that of a young man employed in a city. The Victorians threw everthing at their plants including arsenic.
Yes we know better than that now but not that long ago products like Benlate were used to kill couch grass years later the horrific consequences were found. We seem to be playing catchup and we need to stop in my opinion.
I do appreciate though that it isn't the quickest/easiest method and some people that see me weeding offer their opinions on how they do it. The way at present is best for me, it isn't always 100% weed free but it's good enough and management are always happy. I'm really not casting judgement on how others weed and what is right for them, just myself.
They do want me to salt during snow and frosts so that's an example where I do use it . If someone slips and hurts or a car slides into another the care home likely wouldn't tolerate other ethical reasons for not using it. I do try to keep its use to a minimum though.
When you don't even know who's in the team
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.