Good weedkiller that is safe for Couch Grass?

ClarkeKent

We always had an issue with couch grass in our garden border and have used Roundup in the last few years which has helped. We live in a semi with a fence next to their lawn, so maybe some grass comes through from there,

However, I am seriously considering stopping using Roundup due to its cancer risk due to the glyphosate ingredient.

Can anyone recommend a "safe/r" weedkiller that would be effective on couch grass?

I_have_spoken

You could always buy some Ammonium Sulphamate compost accelerator and then accidentally spill it? NB I presume we're talking about bare soil, not in a border?

Ectophile

The only reason glyphosate hasn't been banned is that it is less dangerous than all the other ones that have been banned. If you're worried about the spray, then consider watering it on with a watering can, or using the new Roundup gel instead.

Most of the alternatives are likely to be harmful if used in a flower border.

Davesnave

Ectophile wrote: »

The only reason glyphosate hasn't been banned is that it is less dangerous than all the other ones that have been banned. If you're worried about the spray, then consider watering it on with a watering can, or using the new Roundup gel instead.

Or if you use a spray cone on the end of a lance, a decent face mask + gloves while mixing and work on non-windy days (which you should do anyway) I can't see much risk to you and yours.

There are plenty of chemicals out there, but many of them are used to control broadleaved weeds in grass, mosses etc so they will be of no use.

I presume you never eat barbecued food, slightly overdone toast etc either?

Davesnave

Ah, I've just remembered a really healthy way to keep next door's couch grass and bindweed out of one's own garden. It's a method I used years ago when living in the city.

It's called building a concrete barrier. It involves digging a deep channel, mixing up several tonnes of aggregate & cement and then filling the channel with it. Great exercise!

But maybe you don't want to hear about that either....:rotfl:

Arthog

I've beaten Couch Grass by placing the cut ends of shoots in a small jar of made-up Roundup, secured with a clothes peg. Leave for 24 hours, then move to another patch of Couch grass. The shoots suck up the Roundup and that is the end of them.
Only use Roundup when there isn't a breath if wind, however you are using it.

stumpycat

The toxicity danger from glyphosate mainly comes from the crops liberally doused in the stuff - both to take out weeds & to ripen up harvests.

So, unless you were planning on eating your dead couchgrass I wouldn't worry too much. As Arthog suggests, I use the dunking-in (or painting on & covering with a plastic bag)

At least nobody mentioned salt as the 'natural' way to kill weeds. :eek: I'm going to cry the next time someone does that...