Topic: Weed killer

Weed killer 

Hi there, I'm just getting into gardening and am looking for some advice around weed killers. Roundup seems to be the most common one, but has anyone used any of the Kiwicare range? Which is best?

Thanks

Re: Weed killer 

DO NOT BUY ROUNDUP is all i can say! It is made by a company called Monsanto, who are infamous for their disgusting ethics to do with Genetc Modification. I am fully against GM all together. But that aside, Roundup is incredibly toxic. It has been proven to destroy human DNA even in a super-diluted mixture that is 1% Roundup and 99% Water. And remember, if you plan on using this to kill grass in an area for a vege garden, you need to grow veges for around 10 years in order to get rid of the roundup, and any produce you eat from the garden will contain the roundup residue in it.

I would go for something like Kiwcare, it isnt too bad, but if it contains Glyphosate 360, steer clear, it is the same stuff Monsanto produces, and is just as toxic. Your best bet would be to use chooks :)

Re: Weed killer 

Although I try to minimise the weedkillers I use, I have to admit to having a couple in the shed. I wouldn't buy Round Up as you can get the exact same product for half the price by buying a lesser known brand I think mine is Butlers brand Glyphosate. A 1L of concentrate will last you years if you aren't trigger happy, the pre-diluted stuff is stupidly expensive in comparison.

If you have a specific problem plant (e.g. Old mans beard) or a stump that keeps resprouting then some of the new Glyphosate gels are very good, Vigilante is my one of choice.

I look for non residual weed killers rather than things like Atrizine and Atrimol which are found in long lasting applications like path and patio weed sprays. My concern with these is that the compounds don't break down as quickly and will build up over repeat applications and can transfer by means of water run off quite some time after application.

Most plants can also be killed by manual means rather than resorting to the chemical methods. Trees ring barked, shrubs chopped off at ground level, smaller stuff pulled up by the roots, cracks in concrete sprinkled with salt, vinegar or boiling water.

Good Luck and watch for wind drift when spraying.

Cheers

Brendon

Re: Weed killer 

I do agree with avoiding Monsanto and their products, the whole Monsanto empire is frightening especially when they are effecting local legislation and trying to introduce GM crops to our back doorstep with terminator genes. It terrifying.

I'm not sure where you're getting your data but it seems a little exaggerated to me.

The 360 refers to the amount of active ingredient in grams per litre so if you can find the Glyco 680 then that is probably a better deal at the same final dilution rate.

As with any poison it should be used sparingly but enough to see that the job is done first time round.