My weed killer said to use 2 oz per gallon. Well, when I do something, I do it right the first time. My mixture is half and half with a little diesel and dawn dishwashing liquid (helps the weed killer stick to the weeds). Below I have pictures of the weed killers that I have mixed. I chose two separate types for a reason. Each has different weeds that it kills. Yellow nutsedge is the hardest to kill, and most yards will have it. Below is a photo of yellow nutsedge so you can see if you have the same problem. My Spectracide has a yellow nutsedge killer.
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| Bayer makes a great and inexpensive concentrated weed killer. Under $9.00 at Lowes. |
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| I chose Spectracide to mix with Bayer. I think mixing two kinds will kill a wider variety. This also kills my all-time yard nemesis, Yellow Nutsedge. |
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| My Nemesis!!!! Yellow Nutsedge. |
NOTE: You do not have to use as concentrated as I did. I would suggest doubling the concentration suggested for fastest and best results.
You have to plan ahead for optimal results. I planned it perfect. It had 12 hours to cure and now a light rain will help soak it up in the ground. If you aren't expecting rain, water after 12 to 24 hours, LIGHTLY! Do not do this in weather exceeding temperatures of 90 degrees.
NOTE: Best time is March and April. This will ensure a beautiful lawn by summer!
Today I will go over the lawn with household vinegar. I will boil it first to create a more concentrated version. (Most household vinegar is mixed with water to dilute, they are usually 5%. By boiling, it will increase the concentration by boiling off the water.)
NOTE: If you want to be eco-friendly and not use chemicals, Vinegar is a GREAT weed killer, but beware, it will kill all vegetation. If you just need spot killing, put in a spray bottle. If your yard is too far gone, fill up your yard sprayer, but keep away from bushes and plants you want to keep. Also boiling water can spot kill weeds for you as well.
I am waiting on my lawn aerator shoes! They will be here Wednesday. Zack Bryant and I both have a pair. We will aerate the lawn by strapping the aerators to our garden shoes. This helps oxygen, water and SEED get into your soil.
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| $16.00 on Amazon. |
Next I will lime (most lawns that have a lot of weeds have a pH level that will hinder grass growth. You can do the pH test, but I lime the lawn... if you have weeds... your pH level is probably off). You can find bags of pelletized lime for under $5.00 for 40 lbs at you local Lowes or Tractor Supply.
Next I will overseed (or reseed) the lawn. I bought a 50 lbs bag of seed from Tractor Supply. Best and least expensive place to find grass seed. Chose a seed that will grow well in you climate zone. In Northwest Arkansas, I chose a Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue.
Then you will use a triple 13 (13-13-13) fertilizer.
Last and most important step, WATER! Your yard needs to be watered. Especially if you have hot and dry summers.
NOTE: Buy a good mower that bags. BAG YOUR CLIPPINGS! If you don't, you will find dead spots.
My favorite and easy to use mower (great for all size lawns because it is self propelled and you get a good walk in!)
By summer we will have a fabulous clean lawn.
Total Cost:
Bayer Weed Killer = $8.97
Spectricide = $8.47
Vinegar = less than $8.00 for the big jug
Aerator Shoes = $10-$20.00 on Amazon
Lawn Lime = $3.99/40 lb bag (you may need 2 bags depending on yard size)
Kentucky Fescue = 57.99/50 lb bag (you may need a smaller bag! check the sq ft,
but this is the best deal by far at Tractor Supply)
13-13-13 Fertilizer = 16.99/40 lb bag (I usually buy 2 bags)
Total= appx $120-$145 for a lawn make over!
With the lawn service companies, they charge you at LEAST $250.00 for a season. Once you have you weeds under control, it won't cost you this year after year. Blog on a lawn schedule to come!
