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New Garden / Lawn Advice / Weeds / Re-turfing

marks1marks1 Posts: 4
in Problem solving

Hi All

I'm new to gardening but have absolutely loved helping my dad in his.  My girlfriend and I have recently bought our first home and I have just started working on the garden.  It’s only a tiny garden but special to me. 

The garden was in very bad condition and all the flower beds and half the lawn covered in a moss like plant I have identified as Mind Your Own Business (Soleirolia soleirolii) AKA: Baby’s Tears, Angel's Tears, Irish Moss or Paddy's Wig.

I hear that is weed is an absolute nightmare to get rid of and although I have dug it out the flower beds I'm concerned it will come back.  Apparently it can grow back from a single leaf or root! 

Another issue is the lawn.  Generally it is in very bad condition, one side is more Mind Your Own Business than lawn as it has grown over and killed off all the grass.  The rest is bare in patches and covered in weeds such as dandelions and daisies. 

I have always dreamt of having a lovely lawn and one that I can tend to and look after.  Ideally I would like to re-turf it and start from fresh. 

I’m hoping someone with some experience can help.  Would you advise killing off the Mind Your Business with a weed killer such as Round Up (glyphosate) which will kill all grass as well before digging the old lawn up?  I hear glyphosate neutralises on contact with soil.  Would it affect the new turf?  How long should I wait before laying new lawn after spraying with Round Up?

Should I simply dig it out at the roots and just lay the new turf a down on top?  Can I spray weed killer along the beds to kill any roots that are still in the soil? 

I also have a new kitten (see profile pic) and would hate to get her poorly from using any strong chemicals.  Round Up claims to be safe for pets and children after it has dried but how safe is it?

I have attached some photos.

Thanks so much!   imageimageimageimageimage

Posts

  • Jolly Gary the GardenerJolly Gary the Gardener Posts: 133

    Hi Marks1

    Firstly its a nice size garden so enjoy it

    secondly I would re turf it as by the time the time weeds have been removed there will be many bald patches requiring re seeding .better to dig up and start again.

    Not saying its easy as we are now in the time of year that is generally drier so constant watering is needed on newley laid turfs.

    We have a cat and rabbit so I tend to stay away from chemicals so can understand your concerns regarding your Kitten

    Enjoy your first summer in your garden

    Regards

    Jolly G

  • marks1marks1 Posts: 4

    Thank you for the advice.  Think re-turfing is definitely the way forward.  :)

  • plant pauperplant pauper Posts: 6,904

    http://www.gardenersworld.com/forum/problem-solving/complete-newbie-needs-help/980639-2.html#latest

    This might be of some interest to you marks1. It's subtitled weekend at Bernie's!

  • marks1marks1 Posts: 4

    Thanks for the replies.  I have decided to completely re-turf the lawn and dig out as much of the Mind Your Own Business weed as I can.  Then level the soil and see if any weeds come up before using a glyphosate weed killer like Round Up to kill them off.

    The soil seems quite clay like - am I right in thinking I have clay soil?  Any tips on how to treat a clay soil before laying new turf?

    Here are some photos.

    Many thanks.imageimageimage

  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 0
    The user and all related content has been deleted.
  • marks1marks1 Posts: 4

    Hi all

    I have decided to 'bite the bullet' and re-turf.  Here is my progress so far.

    What would you advise as my next steps?  This is all quite overwhelming for me as a new gardener! Any tips?

    Would you recommend mixing something into the soil to improve drainage before adding the top soil. I've heard gravel is good or perhaps sharp sand?   

    Many thanks!  :)

    Sparky

    image

    imageimageimageimage

    Last edited: 09 June 2016 15:19:33

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