Chickweed

[Ian240356]

My veg garden is full of the stuff !

Not a problem for tall or large plants, runners, peas, brussels, cabbage etc.

However my spring onions are somewhere in amongst it in lines I can only just make out. They will not prosper without help.

Has anyone here had this problem before?

I cannot hoe the problem away as I shall kill the onions as well as the chickweed.

I am thinking of using some "weed and feed" for lawns. This stuff kills broad leaved weeds, but does not harm plants with narrow blade-like leaves because the surface area is so much smaller.

Well, spring onion have small "leaves " too.

Maybe it would work, or maybe it would kill the onions as well as the chickweed.

Opinions or ideas anyone.


Ian

[hiyatim]

probably an obvious response and the whole reason you have posted is to avoid this but cant u just weed by hand

[Lesley Jay]

I must agree with Tim as chickweed is quick to clear off the surface of the ground by hand weeding. Admittedly it leaves the roots behind.

Do you have any budgerigar breeders in your area as budgies love the stuff and it would be free food for the breeder who would have to clear it for you! (One of my mad afternoons!!).

[DavidT]

Ian, time to get on your hands and knees and do some REAL gardening.

[vegetable-gardener]

Yes, it's on your hands and knees! We used to get lots of chickweed I am sure it has to do with your soil. I would check the ph of your soil - you might have low phosphate and lime levels.

[Ian240356]

[quote=hiyatim;18471]probably an obvious response and the whole reasoare then you have posted is to avoid this but cant u just weed by hand [/Q

This is not possible.

I would weed away, and in making my way along the line crush all beneath me with my knees.

I make the most of my small garden by planting as close as I dare.

I might be able to do it on my feet but not my knees. But I cant bend over for all that time. Perhaps I could walk-squat !

[DavidT]

How far apart are the rows?

[Lesley Jay]

Hi Ian, would one of these gardening seats help?? The feet are slim so you should be able to slot it across your veggies without doing any damage.

Draper Gardening 64970 Folding Seat and Kneeler: Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

[Ian240356]

Originally Posted by Lesley Jay

Do you have any budgerigar breeders in your area as budgies love the stuff

My ducks love the stuff too ! No sooner do I rip it up though, (the easy bits to reach) than it grows back. Sighs.

This duck-spinach appears to be so tasty, I might try some myself.

[Ian240356]

Originally Posted by DavidT

How far apart are the rows?

A foots width between the spring onions. A little more at the next row- carrots.

[Ian240356]

Originally Posted by Lesley Jay

Hi Ian, would one of these gardening seats help?? The feet are slim so you should be able to slot it across your veggies without doing any damage.

Draper Gardening 64970 Folding Seat and Kneeler: Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

Thanks Leslie, I'll view this