Do you have some type of weed barrier underneath the pea gravel? If not, you'll need to rake up the pea gravel and lay one down. That said, I have some weeds (thistle) that have the nerve to poke thru my weed barrier.

The weed barrier will work for only a few years. Eventually, leaves, dirt, etc. accumulates above the weed barrier and weeds then grow in that medium.

I use a weed torch. It's a long curved handle propone torch. A small propane canister screws into one end. You light it and burn the weeds. It's also fun.

Steve

There is no weed barrier under the gravel. And this yard is so big, plus we're renters, so of course I don't want to invest in a barrier. For my own yard in the future, absolutely I will do so.

Steve, I'm intrigued by this torch thing! Where can I find one, and how much do they cost? That sounds like a blast (literally!) and I'm sure I could entice my husband to help with groundskeeping if we had that little "toy" in the shed!

I bought mine from Gardener's Supply Company at www.gardeners.com. About $45.

Steve

This tool works wonders!
Come join us on the Florida Forum.
Marion

Here is a link that might be useful: Click here!

Can you use this torch in mulch or just pea gravel.It sounds great.
We're having a lot of trouble here with fires in our area so I don't want to throw out the baby with the bath water. I heard somewhere that vinegar works and also boiling water.
Barb

Yes, I've heard about vinegar or boiling water, too. But I read that the vinegar needs to be the strong kind for canning (higher acidity) not the kind you put on your salad! I'm going to try everything before I resort to herbicide so I'm just trying to put together an arsenal of ideas. Any other suggestions are welcome...

Thanks to everyone for the replies!

The weed torch works in gravel beds, driveways, sidewalks, etc. It sets the mulch on fire unless you wet the flower bed before using the torch.

Steve

Success! I found a product called "Perfectly Natural Weed and Grass Killer" at Home Depot yesterday. At 11 a.m. today I sprayed weeds in the back part of our yard and within an hour, most of them had started to shrivel. Three hours later most of them are dead. The others are still hanging on but are looking a pretty sickly. I think this stuff is going to solve the problem!

The only ingredients in this spray are vinegar, clove oil, and lecithin (apparently lecithin is an emulsifier) so I wonder why I couldn't mix some up myself... if I can find lecithin!

I will add that the clove scent is VERY strong - if you don't want your yard to smell like a spice cabinet, you probably shouldn't use this. But I kinda like it.

Just wanted to share this with all of you who tried to help me tackle these weeds without harming the environment. Thanks!

Hi
Have often wondered why people put down gravel. Most plants will grow even better in it lol Increases the drainge. If the purpose is to control weed it sure doesn't do that lol I curse the pervious homeowners who put down a marble chip bed and the weeds loved it. Had to get down on hands and kness and remove every rock.What a chore!!! gary

Lecithin is sold at health food stores in a granular form and a liquid form - the liquid is actually a very thick syrup. While you're there you can buy clove oil too.

Let us know if you concoct a good formula.

Suzanne

does anyone know where I should look for the strong form of vinegar? (I live in L.A. but I can also order online)

Use strong 30% + vinager and soap. Kills all weeds..