Rye grass in new bed

[davidmk1]

Hello,

I made a new bed of perenials, shrubs and succulents this fall. Now it sprouting what I believe is rye grass everywhere. The blades are fine and are bright green. When I pull it up and get the roots, the grass is growing out from a seed that is long and narrow and pointed on each end. The seed is almost a centimeter long.

I have started pulling it up by hand but this is a big bed and it is very tedious. I am wondering if anyone has any better ideas to get rid of the stuff.

Thank you.

David

[Tricky Grama]

David-
If it is really rye, it will die out when hot weather hits. If it's nutgrass, that's a whole 'nuther story!
Patty

[davidmk1]

That is the problem. I do not want to wait for it to be hot. This is my new bed that looks like I am trying to grow grass.

David

[khwoz]

If your desirable plants aren't too close together, you could use the 10% vinegar to spray on the grass. Spray with low pressure at a fairly coarse setting & use a piece of cardboard to block the spray from desirables. If this is rye, how did it get in your soil?

[davidmk1]

Thanks for the reply.

I was wondering about the vineagar. I bought some awhile back that said organic and now i realize it is from acetic acid, which the DD says not to use. I have looked since and it seems as if all I find are from acetic acid. I already have a gallon so I wonder if I should use it anyway.

It has been very winding so I am a little scared that it will blow around. The cardboard is a good idea.

I am not sure how it got there. Some of my yard has winter rye. I can't remember if this area is one of them. It was here when I moved in. It has not come up anywhere else, maybe because it is so dry. Of course it is in the one place I do not want it.

David

[khwoz]

Based on what I know, all vinegar is acidic acid. What you need to watch for is vinegar made from petroleum products vs. grain alcohol. You want the grain alcohol product. For Garrett Juice or other soil/spray amendment, you want 5% apple cider (or other fruit) vinegar. Watch out for stuff labeled "apple cider flavored vinegar". If you happen to have 20% vinegar, it is OK. You can usually save money by buying 10%. Spraying on a non-windy day would be a good idea!

[davidmk1]

That is good news. I will presume what I have is not petroleum based since it is labeled organic. I think it is 10%.

KHWOZ, I was actually going to email you because when I search for succulents, you usually reply. Since you are following this thread, I will ask you here.

I have been collecting succulents since the end of this summer, and trying to read as much as I can about them. Many suggest ferilizing during the growing season, and I have not found any info on organics. Do you know a good product or good way to ferilize succulents?

What about to prevent fungal infection? They talk about dusting roots and cuttings to prevent it. I do not have any infection at this time but it seems that it happens sooner or later. Would corn meal work? Thanks.

David

[khwoz]

A Sea Weed fertilizer works well. It is great for new plantings; use as a root stimulator. What I usually use is my homemade "Garrett Juice" at 1/2 strength when I water. Do not over-water! These plants can go without watering for long periods. The cornmeal works well in the soil & as an additive to your watering mix (cornmeal juice). I don't put anything on the roots or cuttings. I've tried various products in the past; didn't seem to make any difference. On cuttings, make sure they have a dried callus at the cut area before planting. Better to wait if not sure! The corn meal juice should work great at preventing fungal problems; I haven't tested it enough to say for sure. Neem also works as a bug control & fungal fighter.

[davidmk1]

Thanks for all your help, KHWOZ.

David