GardenBanter.co.uk - View Single Post

Janet · 16-06-2012, 12:09 PM posted to uk.rec.gardening

In article o.uk,
says...

On Fri, 15 Jun 2012 15:15:36 -0400, Don Phillipson wrote:

Alternatively, try a propane torch, i.e. just burn up the weeds
(and sweep away the ashes if visible.).

You don't need to burn the plants with a "weed burner", just waft the
flame slowly over them, a slight colour change or wilt is all you
need. The cell structure is destroyed and the foliage dies. Note that
this will only kill then top growth unlike glyphosate which will kill
the entire plant.

The small "walking stick" weed burners are too small for fully grown
dandelions but OK for running along the paving joints that only have
small plants growing through. For a large area and lots of growth the
Sheen X300 is probably a better bet. It's pressurised paraffin burner
so can be a bit temperamental but people of a certain age may well
have come across pressurised paraffin devices before...

Yes, if the OP could run a pressurised primus lamp or camp stove he'll
have no problem with a Sheen. He may find he could borrow one; they are so
indestructible owners don't mind lending.

I bought one dirt cheap ex-hire and have used it for 30 years; but the
price of paraffin is now so high that it's no longer the cheap way it once
was to control weeds on drives etc. For economy, he would be better with
professional-strength glyphosate (try a farm supplier, not, the versions
sold in sheds and GC's). Per season, a burner will need several
applications; weedkiller just one .

For weedkiller application, you can buy very cheaply a set of three
weedbars for a dedicated watering can; the smallest is only about 3" wide
so ideal for economic dribbling along the gaps between slabs.

Janet