On Mon, 6 Mar 2006 18:17:37 -0000, "Rod Craddock"
wrote:

wrote in message
oups.com...
Depends where you are, assuming the UK it will take quite a while at
this time of the year. It is much more effective when plants are
growing strongly. Toips will turn yellow, and then start to die, the
die back will move down the plant till it all dies. Paraquat is
systemic and kills the roots as well as the tops. Much better to
spray
when it is a little warmer and plants are really beginning to grow.

Paraquat is *not* systemic - it kills top growth only, that's
sufficient to see off annual weeds but perennials will regrow.
It is still a bit early for using Paraquat - it does need some foliage
to work on. Results are seen more quickly in sunny weather. A few
hours for first signs and a day or two for obvious damage if used in
good conditions.

It will be illegal soon - so I'm told. New EU regulations were
passed last year and I think they come into force in the UK next
month. I got my week-killer cheap at B&Q when they were selling
it off.

I haven't used Paraquat for many years - there are much safer and more
effective materials available - Glyphosate is the active ingredient
to look out for as in the various incarnations of 'Roundup' That *is*
systemic and will see off perennial weeds. (Particularly good against
perennial grasses and stinging nettles) Works more slowly than
paraquat.

Unless Glyphosate can be used in this kind of weather it is no
good to me.

I want to kill off my weeds before I dig the ground over because
I don't like having to hoe tough weeds with deep roots (which
have a tendency to re-grow even when dug over - especially couch
grass.

The ground is being dug over so I can plant my veges - I've
never used weed killer before.