Have you had a soil test done in the last few years? Knowing what your particular soil needs, and more importantly doesn't need can save you money.

Identifying the types of weeds is helpful, too. Controls vary for annual and perennial types.

sara

No, I haven't had a soil test performed yet. I plan to do that this winter. For now though I've got to do something to rid my yard of these weeds (mostly broad leaf).

If anyone has recommendations of certain brands I would be interested in reading about your experience with those....
Rodney

Sorry, Rodney. I don't have any experience with the products you are describing.

Weed and feed products are kind of a one-size-fits-all solution that may not work for whatever your situation is. That's why I wonder what type of weeds you are dealing with and what type of fertilizer will actually benefit your specific soil and type of grass.

sara

Sara,
I did some more research last night and found some useful information that I thought I would post for others that may be reading this post. On the OSU website at www.osuextra.com I found a fact sheet called Lawn Management in Oklahoma that really has some great information along with information about performing a soil test. The fact sheet number is F-6420.
Rodney

Rodney, you're looking at the best source I know of for information specific to Oklahoma. Fact sheet 6421, Controlling Weeds in Home Lawns, has good information about controlling specific types of weeds.

I guess I'm skeptical about all those "weed and feed" products that I see in the box stores and garden centers, because unless you know what your specific soil needs are, it's easy to waste money on something that won't really help your particular lawn and control your particular type of weeds. Something that controls winter annuals will not control perennials and timing of the application is critical. Pre-emergents only work well if they are applied before the annual type weeds germinate, for example.

I've also learned that most OK soils have sufficient levels of potassium and phosphorus. That means that all those products out there that contain P and K may be unnecessary; most of us only need nitrogen. Using those products only builds up levels of P and K, which is immobile in soil anyway. Nitrogen is not. In other words, nitrogen gets used up quickly, P and K don't.

Micronutrients are also not lacking in most OK soils. So, we don't necessarily need those products that are marketed for the mass market. Like Miracle-Gro. There's just no one-size-fits-all solution for everybody in the country.

That's why I'm so hot on soil testing; it's really helpful to know just what your particular soil is like and what type of amendments and fertilizers will work best for you.

Good luck with your weeds and lawn!

sara

Somewhere on one of these forums someone suggested straight vinegar for killing bermuda grass in spots where you don't want it. Well, I tried it on bermuda grass and it just sucked it up and smiled at me, but I did find that it worked on dandelions - so I'm guessing it would work on other broadleafs as well. I also bought a weed hound, which is a nifty little tool for taking out dandelions if you just have them here and there.

Hey, speaking of nifty little tools, OK Prairie, I finally broke down and bought a scuffle hoe this year. I love it. It's great for getting rid of the grass and weeds that are "trying" to creep into my flower beds, or for cleaning out weeds to make a new bed. It's much faster than pulling weeds and while it takes a bit of energy to use it, it's quick and very. I love it, and am glad I invested in it.

Susan