Trains.com

weed control

3404 views
4 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    June 2012
  • 23 posts
weed control
Posted by pirate lynn on Sunday, September 15, 2019 10:33 PM

just moved to a new house and landscaping is almost done.  My new railroad will be small--11' x 22', surrounded by a mow curb.  I've already water rolled the surface so it's nice and smooth. Question is re: weed control.  Anybody used weed barrier mat (I've heard Sta-Green Ultimate is good) and did it work for you. Want to stay away from spraying as it's been ineffective for me.  Thanks

  • Member since
    February 2013
  • 916 posts
Posted by PVT Kanaka on Monday, September 16, 2019 7:44 PM
I deploy my kids!
  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: North Coastal San Diego
  • 947 posts
Posted by Greg Elmassian on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 10:50 AM

Weeds seemed to always eventually get through the mat, and it also does not stop ones coming from the "top down".

 

I use roundup and do not drink it so I will not die of cancer. If you don't spray, you pull weeds, or you can use a flamethrower if you keep away from the plastic ties. (seriously)

 

Greg

Visit my site: http://www.elmassian.com - lots of tips on locos, rolling stock and more.

 Click here for Greg's web site

 

  • Member since
    April 2002
  • From: Wisconsin
  • 1,828 posts
Posted by Rene Schweitzer on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 3:39 PM

I've never liked any of the weed barriers I've tried (either the mesh ones or the ones that look like roofing material). Either they work their way to the top of the soil, or weeds find a way through anyway. Not to mention that it's kind of a pain if you want to add a plant, then you have to cut a hole in the material without disturbing everything around it.

I weed after a rain, when the soil is softer and the weeds come out easier.

Rene Schweitzer

Classic Toy Trains/Garden Railways/Model Railroader

  • Member since
    November 2011
  • 2,071 posts
Posted by Postwar Paul on Wednesday, January 22, 2020 5:06 PM

Here's a little trick:

our family friend is an avid gardener. When we moved into this house a year ago, she brought us some cacti for the backyard. When we were planting them, I mentioned that I no longer use Round Up because of what I heard on the news. She mentioned to use vinegar !

I was skeptical, and never would have believed it, but it works !

And just like Round Up, don't get it on  or near anything you want to keep. 

Probably best for rock or gravel areas.

Paul

Search the Community

FREE EMAIL NEWSLETTER

Get the Garden Railways newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month

By signing up you may also receive occasional reader surveys and special offers from Garden Railways magazine. Please view our privacy policy