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Suggestions for a strong but pet friendly weed killer please.

(6 Posts)
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Sarnia Sun 26-Jul-26 09:03:23

I have cleared a patch near the bug boxes, rabbit hutch and chicken run that was a sea of euphorbia. Although this part of the garden is given over to wildlife and wild flowers, the euphorbia had to go, especially with young children around. I have cut them all down but as our soil is clay I haven't a snowball's chance in hell of digging up the roots. If left, it will grow again so I need GN's advice. What can I use that is pet friendly? We don't have a cat but a few come into our garden. Also foxes come at night to drool over our chickens. I don't want to harm them but need these roots to go. I thought a flamethrower may be a solution but given the dry conditions, that's out.
I have every faith that somewhere amongst our GN's there is an answer. Thank you.

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J52 Sun 26-Jul-26 09:16:31

A vinegar and salt mixture might work. Rough up the soil first and then sprinkle the salt ( dishwasher salt is cheap ) then douse the area in vinegar. The small quickly goes. Leave to soak in for a couple of days and then repeat.
It works on weeds between my paving so should work after a few douses. Completely safe, non toxic, although I wouldn’t let my pets on it until it is dry.

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Lathyrus3 Sun 26-Jul-26 09:22:40

Can you cover the area with layers of thick cardboard?

It will prevent regrow the and then you could use the flame thrower later in the year if necessary.

Covering with cardboard seems to be working well with the marestail and bindweed on my allotment.

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25Avalon Sun 26-Jul-26 09:29:04

Alan Titchmarsh advices to hoe up seedlings as they appear and leave the roots to die. This works especially well in hot sun with annual weeds. Perennials with deep roots are another matter. Euphorbia is a menace.

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ClicketyClick Sun 26-Jul-26 09:30:33

If you're going to use J52's method (which is great on paving) I'd miss out the salt as it will affect the soil health and replacement plants may struggle.

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Grammaretto Sun 26-Jul-26 09:33:46

What is a flame thrower?
It sounds dangerous in this dry weather.

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