A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2004 Mulch vs weeds

I mulched my flower beds several weeks ago, at the same time that I planted some colorful annuals.

I want to re-mulch to build up a thicker layer, but I have stray weeds poking up through the mulching I did last time. I've tried pulling them, but they just come back, as weeds tend to do

Is there any product or chemical or weed killer I can buy? I'm thinking I want to just spray those individual weeds and then put another layer of mulch over the top, and let the weed killer do its job.

What should I buy? Will this work?

Ronni

You can use a general all purpose weed killer like Round-up but be VERY careful not to get it on your flowers as it will kill everything. The best way to do it is to use a small paint brush or sponge and wipe it on the weeds...this way you'll avoid any spray that might accidentally get on your flowers.

OK, thanks.

Can I immediately mulch over the weeds I paint with Round up? Or do I have to wait till they're dead to mulch again?

Ronni

Just wait a day as to not spread the stuff while it is still wet. You are fine after that.

Ronni, I like Preen. You can't use it where you plant seeds, but it is wonderful around plants. Easy to use to.

has anyone tried using a thick layer of news paper under the mulch? they use news paper in lagna gardens & say weeds dont grow through it. im not shure you should put it over seeds. ????