pd. I'm a pussycat really. It was never rudeness, just a robust difference of opinion, and not with her. And I don't believe her "ignore" was carried out 100%.
Pickle's comments are angry rather than rude, possibly brought on by lack of understanding I believe, and short temper. We have several amateur psychologists who could diagnose it further (but not necessarily more accurately).
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."
Given the health problems both you and your son are facing, getting rid of the docks is probably going to take somewhat longer than you had anticipated. Several posters have offered some good advice re the timing when using a weed killer - an important factor and patience/persistence needed. If digging out the weeds now is just not possible ( and remembering that some will inevitably be missed first time around and pop up again), the use of an an appropriate weedkiller such as @Pete.8 suggests would seem your best bet. It's also worth thinking about what your son would like to do with/have in the garden eventually as per @wild edges and @Fairygirl posted. There are a lot of knowledgeable people on the forum who would be pleased to help if possible.
Urgh, I know, that's the problem! I thought I could kill it all off and be on my merry planting way but it looks like it's going to be a marathon , not a sprint! I applied the weedkiller as per instructions; 1x sachet made up to 2x litres with water. Drenched all the leaves etc. exactly as instructed. This is probably about 3 wks ago now and yes, they put on a growth spurt. Maybe it's their swansong before dying? Hah! Well, we live in hope. I might invest in the stuff Pete suggested. Thank you.
Think I would try the vinegar, but also add some washing up liquid to the solution to penetrate any surface tension.
I WANT to try the vinegar 'cos I've already bought about 15x bottles! But I'm also tempted to try the Rosate 360 that pete 8 suggested. Vinegar=£4 v. Rosate 360= £50? That's the trouble, I'm chomping at the bit and want to chuck everything at it. And, AND now we've got flippin' rain nearly every day which means I realistically, can't do either!
A strong form of glyphosate will do the job. Some years ago I used Rosate 360 to do a similar job. Any form of glyphosate that has 360 in the formulation will work.
Only use it when the docks are growing actively, so April - Sept is ideal. It is only absorbed by the leaves. Use on an overcast day when the weather is calm. It is VERY strong. I used a pump sprayer with the nozzle set to droplets - a fine mist will drift onto other plants and kill them.
Thank you for that! Thankfully (?!) there is nothing else IN the garden so I don't need to worry about the spray! When I used the Weedol I kept the spray head very close to the ground but then the wand leaked and I managed to get it all over my hands. I'll have to wear rubber gloves! The garden is approx 5x slot in fence panels by 6x with a garage adjoining which will be demolished. I'm tempted to just get it paved!!! Ah, these things are sent to try us!
Urgh, I know, that's the problem! I thought I could kill it all off and be on my merry planting way but it looks like it's going to be a marathon , not a sprint! I applied the weedkiller as per instructions; 1x sachet made up to 2x litres with water. Drenched all the leaves etc. exactly as instructed. This is probably about 3 wks ago now and yes, they put on a growth spurt. Maybe it's their swansong before dying? Hah! Well, we live in hope. I might invest in the stuff Pete suggested. Thank you.
If only life was that simple eh Whatever you try - whether Pete's or Jenny's suggestions - it really is a case of perseverance. Even with the relatively small space you are dealing with, it'll take time and effort to clear and then improving the soil for plants or a lawn. Have you thought about some pots of annuals for now whilst you are dealing with the docks ? Something nice for your son to look out at ? Without knowing a bit more about the patch, it's hard to say whether or not that would be feasible. Good luck with it anyway.
@pickle61 I have covered an area a similar size with a thick membrane or you could use old carpet. Weeds cannot grow without light. A drastic measure, as it may take a year or more to get results. This has been a problem as far back as spring 2022 if I am correct, this is a tried and tested method if all your other attempts have failed. Dock seed can remain dormant in the soil for decades, it is disturbing the soil that brings the seed to the surface and off it goes again. With this is mind perhaps some paving would be a good idea with areas that will need to be dug for borders kept weed free. It may be possible to lay paving on to membrane. @McRazz may kindly be able to advise.
I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
Posts
Pickle's comments are angry rather than rude, possibly brought on by lack of understanding I believe, and short temper. We have several amateur psychologists who could diagnose it further (but not necessarily more accurately).
"Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
When you don't even know who's in the team
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
Whatever you try - whether Pete's or Jenny's suggestions - it really is a case of perseverance. Even with the relatively small space you are dealing with, it'll take time and effort to clear and then improving the soil for plants or a lawn.
Have you thought about some pots of annuals for now whilst you are dealing with the docks ? Something nice for your son to look out at ? Without knowing a bit more about the patch, it's hard to say whether or not that would be feasible.
Good luck with it anyway.
Weeds cannot grow without light. A drastic measure, as it may take a year or more to get results.
This has been a problem as far back as spring 2022 if I am correct, this is a tried and tested method if all your other attempts have failed.
Dock seed can remain dormant in the soil for decades, it is disturbing the soil that brings the seed to the surface and off it goes again. With this is mind perhaps some paving would be a good idea with areas that will need to be dug for borders kept weed free. It may be possible to lay paving on to membrane. @McRazz may kindly be able to advise.
Sorry.