A bit left field this, but we are going to try some experiments on our allotment viz doing things by the lunar cycle and wonder whether anybody has any experience with using weed killers connected with the lunar cycle. In other words, if I use Roundup on bindweed, when would be the best time in the lunar cycle to use them?
I have no idea whether this works or not, but I would be keen to do some trials!
well, looking at the amazing full moon this evening, now is the best time to start, or maybe the worst time to start, or maybe somewhere in between.
Isn't New Age mumbo-jumbo + Monsanto's Finest a bit of a Toxic Coalition?
Quote from: Cruz on April 17, 2011, 21:02:55
A bit left field this, but we are going to try some experiments on our allotment viz doing things by the lunar cycle and wonder whether anybody has any experience with using weed killers connected with the lunar cycle. In other words, if I use Roundup on bindweed, when would be the best time in the lunar cycle to use them?
I have no idea whether this works or not, but I would be keen to do some trials!
Oh I thought you meant trying to find the weeds in the moonlight! ;)
I read somewhere recently that the first quarter of the new moon is the best time to deal with weeds so I'd wait a couple of weeks.
On the other hand, you could do one patch now, just as the moon is starting to wain and one patch in two weeks time and see if there's a difference.
Then again, given that spraying with chemicals is not exactly in tune with lunar or biodynamic gardening, I'd just spray when you have a sunny day with little breeze as that's what glyphosate needs to do its work.
The two most important things to know about glysophate are
1) Last resort.... Kills crops at least 10x better than it kills weeds.
2) It is biodegradable and when I used non-sterile water from the butt it simply didn't work at all.
Sorry the 3 most important things...
3) Any rain within 5 hours renders it useless.
Cheers.
Weeds are, by their very nature, vigorous, invasive and strong so yes, if you're careless with glyphosate or any other weedkiller, your more delicate treasures will succumb quickly.
You need at least 6 hours of sunshine without rain so the active ingredients can be absorbed by the weeds which then take 2 weeks to die. Really strong weeds like thistles, bindweed, nettles and couch grass may need 2 or more applications. The product works best when they're in active growth in spring.
Adding a drop or two of washing up liquid will help it stick to the plant leaves better rather than just running off. Mares' tail needs to be crushed first to break its built in silicone seal.
Glyphosate beocmes inert on contact with the soil but can contaminate waterways as run off. European scientists have found significant levels in ponds, streams, rivers and so on and there are moves afoot to ban glyphosate.