Re: Killing weeds with fire?

> would you site any positive/negative experiences you've had with Preen or similiar
> products?I feel a little uncomfortable using it and would really like some
> 'testimonies'from users so I can proceed with confidence...I am SOOOOO overwhemed with
> weeds this year I just have to take another route of solution..Any info appreciated.

I really only like to use it when I create a new bed.  I sprinkle it over
the soil, rake it in lightly, then soak thoroughly (and wait around to chase
the birds away -- that's why I do this step right before sunset).  This helps
settle the soil and gets permeates the Preen throughout.  A couple of days
later I'll start planting.

When creating a new bed it works *really* well.  As you know, turning
the soil usually creates more weeds than you started with because of the
seeds that were already there.  Preen prevents them from germinating, so
the bed usually stays weed-free for the first year.

In subsequent years I just weed by hand.  There really aren't too many
weeds that come up, but surprisingly many perennials *do* reseed.  I must
have two dozen Belamcanda that came from three plants last year (and the
bed had been created in July/August, so the Preen must only work for about
6 months).

I have also used it in areas that were *really* weedy before, but again
only as a one-time application.  I don't feel comfortable adding it to the
beds every spring.  Same steps -- turn into the soil and soak.

The only bad experience I've had with Preen was the time that I spilled
a container of it on the front lawn.  I tried to scoop it all up, but 
apparently didn't do to well and had a bald spot out there for two years.
Others on the list have said that you have to be careful not to get any
on the foliage of plants that you want to keep, and I believe them.

Chris

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