What should I use to weed and feed my lawn w/o hurting chickens?

[SeaChick]

We have used the Gardens Alive corn-gluten product called W.O.W. Plus before with good results (see link in previous post). I just ordered some more in fact. It is a pre-emergent weed killer so it basically inhibits germination.

Around here, lots of normal hardware stores and even Home Depot, I think, carry a corn gluten based product. You need to read the labels carefully. It is TOTALLY NON TOXIC, and I would really encourage you to use this type rather than any regular kind, which is going to put toxins into your birds> eggs> you and your family!!!

Stacey

 

[SeaChick]

PS, Gardens Alive gives you a $20 off coupon on your first order, so a big bag isn't even all that expensive.....

 

[Merchris]

Thanks guys. I did go rake some up last night, but wow, there are a lot. I haven't fertilized in a looooong time, so I don't think that's my problem!!! I think I'll try the mowing idea...or actually maybe weed whack them or something. I'd better hurry because I know someone said not to let them flower, and I think we're getting close.

Thanks for the tip on the corn fertilizer, I'm going to check that out. I was just out cutting my rose bushes and realized I was out of stuff for them, so I whipped out the Epson salts...now I'm wondering about that for a fertilizer....although that could be tough since we're on 3 acres. Although maybe if put in a sprayer behind the tractor? Anyone have luck with that?

Oh, and Rosalind....that's exactly what they are....come on over and eat some!!!! There's enough for a feast!!!

Also, I had toyed with getting a goose or two for weeding purposes, but wasn't sure if they got along with chickens well, what the differences in keeping them were and stuff like that.

 

[patandchickens]

Unfortunately, stinging nettles are a PERENNIAL -- the corn gluten preemergent stuff only inhibits seed germination. While I suppose it might be somewhat worthwhile if you have the $$ and think the nettles set a buncha seed last year, it will NOT get rid of the nettles you've already got growing.

A weed whacker (that you suggested) is a really good way of dealing with patchy weeds like this, b/c you can 'scalp' the bits that actually have nettles growing and leave the grassy parts in between alone.

P.s. Epsom salts is not a 'normal' fertilizer - all it is is magnesium and sulfate. If your plant happens to be slightly deficient in these two *particular* trace minerals it can be useful, hence its use in very small amounts for roses -- but DO NOT put on large amounts, and don't count on it to do anything at all unless your plants do happen to have Mg or S deficiencies. (Too much can actually poison the soil, in fact).

Good luck,

Pat, glad not to have stinging nettles *here*, although if you want several kinds of thistles or burdock or quackgrass or reed canarygrass, have I got a deal for you

 

[kayri]

Good point Pat. If I remember correctly, nettles have really tough root system to get rid of also. Good luck Merchris. (If it's any comfort, I'd rather have nettle than poison ivy, which is what we have.)

Kay

 

[eggzettera]

You can also try "solarizing" just through plastic over top & walk away - depending on where you are clear or black......not my fav as you will later see why (it "kills" the benficials too...)

Or my favorite is sheet composting or "lasagna": throw down a layer of newspaper (THICK) or cardboard (I prefer) then throw grass clippings, pulled weeds, compost whatever you have a lot of that bio-degradable and "smother" them out while building your soil.

RINSE & REPEAT (kidding just keep adding layer upon layer & as time goes by you will see a huge difference especially if you try the solar method to compare it to)

I prefer sheet composting to regular composting because all those great attributes (attracting redworms, beneficial insects, bacteria & the like) "grow" in place letting the soil become a "living" organism again.
JMO

Why is this not over @ Easy Garden???????

 

[earthnut]

corn gluten only prevents seeds from sprouting. it wont do anything to nettles. Plus, with chickens around, it probably wouldn't last one hour.

I think your options are: a shovel, mowing, or applying herbicide and keeping animals out while it works. Roundup is the least toxic chemical herbicide, but I wouldn't let animals around it for a day after application. It is very effective against perennial weeds though - cut the weed, paint concentrated roundup on cut end, no more weed.

Personally, unless it is an area that humans want to use frequently, I wouldn't do anything about them. They're not harmful to the enviroment (they're native), and they probably aren't hurting your animals either. Just eat them and use gloves if you need to work around them.

 

[hcammack]

My chickens feed and cut my lawn. they live in a tractor with a large movable fence.

Henry