How to Kill Crabgrass Organically
Crabgrass is a type of perennial weed common throughout North America. The Digitaria sanguinalis, or hairy crabgrass, is one of the most common species encountered by gardeners. The weed is often noticed in yards and gardens and can spread quickly, choking out more desirable grass and plants. Gardeners do not need to use toxic chemicals to kill crabgrass, and can manage the weed organically. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Gloves
- Hand spade
- Kitchen pot
- Plastic sheeting
- Bricks or rocks
- Corn gluten meal
Instructions
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Remove the crabgrass manually. This technique is best for single weed patches and small-scale crabgrass infestations. Put on gloves. Slide a hand spade beneath the main crabgrass clump.
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Grasp the top of the clump with your hands and pull up while simultaneously prying upward with the spade to uproot the crabgrass. Set the main clump aside after uprooting and pluck out any side tendrils that may have been left in the ground. Lay the plants in the sun to dry them out and kill them.
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Pour boiling water on the crabgrass. This technique works best for crabgrass in bare soil patches, as the boiling water will kill all vegetation. Place a pot on the stove, fill it with water and bring the water to a boil. Empty the water onto the crabgrass. The plant will wilt, collapse and die. Pull out the plant after the water has cooled.
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Cover the crabgrass with plastic sheeting to solarize the plant. Solarizing is ideal for large patches of crabgrass. Weigh down the edges of the plastic with a brick or rocks. The heat from the sun bakes the plant and kills it after six to eight hours of direct sunlight. Remove the plastic sheeting and uproot the dead crabgrass plants.
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Prevent crabgrass from regrowing. Sprinkle corn gluten meal, available at most health food stores. This option is best for individuals with crab grass growing in their lawn. The powder prevents crabgrass seeds from germinating and, if applied every year in the spring, will help to eradicate crabgrass when applied in conjunction with standard removal practices.
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Tips & Warnings
Keeping your lawn healthy and thick will keep crabgrass from growing amongst your grass.
