In message . com, cam
writes
On 26 Apr, 21:05, "
wrote:

Louise if it is a small area, don't use weedkiller, just cover the
entire area with old carpet or anything that will keep out the light
and all your weeds will die.

Totally off-topic, but is this a good way to approach a large weedy
area in general?

Yep.

I am about to tackle a new front garden with a view
to laying a lawn - two patches of soil about 6ft by 15ft. They were
dug over last summer and are now a riot of weeds.

Ah yes, just perfect conditions for encouraging lots of weed seed
germination :-)

I have been advised
to dig out all weeds by the roots but there must be hundreds of them
and I was dreading it...

You don't need to take all of them out by the roots, but certainly the
perennial ones (Dandelion, thistle etc.) need the roots taking out.

How long would it take to kill the weeds by
covering them up?

I reckon (having done this in various places a few times) a few months
will pretty much get rid of most things. Probably a month or so at this
time of year will kill off lots of the stuff - such as annuals and
younger perennials. Older perennials will still be alive, but looking a
pretty weedy/yellow, but it's much ;less daunting to dig them up once
a lot of the other stuff has died off.

Problem is a sheet mulch isn't that attractive in the front garden....

I don't really like carpet, though it works ok, but once it starts to
semi rot it is a PITA to remove as it falls apart. Old Cardboard boxes
works well. The black woven sheet mulch (landscape fabric etc.) works
well and is easy to use but costs money, but if you have a use for it
elsewhere makes sense. but enough for 20 Sq metres or so wouldn't be too
bad - Cheapest place is Ebay IME

--
Chris French