Boiling Water - free and easy weed killer.

Great idea, Scott! I look forward to trying this…

-- Living on the square...Metro Detroit

I tried my daughter’s steam cleaner once – not much luck with that… and last year I tried vinegar. Yes, it killed it, eventually, but when the weeds came back – they looked healthier than those that I had missed!

I like the idea of using cooking water, puts nutrients back in the ground at the same time!

-- - Debbie, SW Ontario Canada (USDA Hardiness Zone: 5a)

I have used boiling water for years … it works GREAT!!!

-- "A perfect garden is just a garden to be in-perfection. Mornings to work on it and evenings to pause and look at it." Southeast Michigan, Zone 5a/5b

Miss Debbie, you can get acetic acid at janitorial supply stores, or the hardware store, it is 56%...10 times the strength of household vinegar..it will kill thistle in one application, as for the boiling water, friends and neighbors can tell when we have begun canning, because the cracks in our sidewalk are weed free!
Old Pharmer Phils Country Living Phorum

-- Old Pharmer Phils Country Living Phorum - http://pharmerphil.proboards37.com

I will try that! Might be easier on the back than pulling them by hand and still miss the roots!!

-- Eklectic, Follow my Bliss, South East Ontario 5a

It’s safe, (if you don’t spill any on yourself) easy and free! (I’ve also heard to twist counter clockwise while pulling weeks)

-- southern NH. - smack dab in the middle of 5a and 5b - with lots of shade and full sun, in all the wrong places.

I notice that the fruit orchids now use steam to kill off the weeds.

I can already see my FIL….....no no no no no, dont show him

-- Central northish Ontario

hahaa poor greenthumb… always on high alert

-- - Debbie, SW Ontario Canada (USDA Hardiness Zone: 5a)

whatever it takes to cook em!

funny thing is, two of the worst weeds in my yard/garden – come to find out – are among the healthiest things to eat. Purslane and dandelions.

-- southern NH. - smack dab in the middle of 5a and 5b - with lots of shade and full sun, in all the wrong places.

My mom tells the story that my older brother, as a toddler, would walk through the fields chomping down the pursley (well, thats what we call it in our family anyway) left and right. The next year, he wouldn’t have anything to do with it.
He must have been a really healthy toddler!

-- - Debbie, SW Ontario Canada (USDA Hardiness Zone: 5a)

Thanks for the water tip! I was trying to be chemical free in weeding last year and went through a TON of salt. Heard that salt would kill them naturally. It was only for a short time and then they came right back. Same with the bought weed killer for the drive…will try the boiling water this year!

-- Jen, Zone 8 SC, http://www.woodlandchic.com

Really enjoy any of these tips to avoid harmful herbicides and pesticides.. I am married to a chemical loving cynic, but I think if I can get in with the hot water before he starts his wild spraying, I may be able to make our property a little more earth friendly. Keep the ideas coming.

-- Des

I will start boiling now, thanks!

-- Toronto, Ontario

It works.
Also use your (cooled) cooking water to water your outdoor container plants. If you have a fish tank, when you change out water, use it in the garden, lots of good nutrient in that stuff!

-- the day you quit learning is the day you quit living.

Good advice, dini. I have done that for years. The concept of boiling water is one to consider. I have tried a blow torch…..damn near set the surrounding grass on fire. LOL

-- jroot

Well darn

I was reading posts by Bob about roundup and vinegar. Weed killers

There is a couple good links

Bob was at work when he posted it and NOW, darn I lost it

can someeone direct me to the right forum page

I could s mack myself. I got distracted then lost wha tforum and what page etc.

My butt is too sore from sitting so long, need to walk, lol and stretch lol,lol

-- NS Zone 5B 200 KM East of Halifax cheers Bunting------Having a place to go – is a home. Having someone to love – is a family.

Bunting, here’s that thread.
http://gardentenders.com/topics/376#reply-5410

Bob

-- I want to believe in a lot of things but, in the meantime I have to deal with the truth