Preventing & Getting Rid of Weeds/Grasses in Vegetable Garden Beds

[@ruthwilliamson862]

Excellent! Last year, I actually added another layer of manure before I put the tarp down, because I love the benefits of manure, but I was frustrated by how many weeds came along with it! I figured why not add the manure first, and smother it in advance? It worked well, and the soil underneath seemed less "dead" when I removed the tarp. So that was good!

[@Selfsufficientme]

That's a good idea to place the manure down before the tarp and it would also add extra microbes to the soil which would help overall too! Nice one! Cheers :)

[@pratibhapriyadarshini2431]

Ruth Williamson

[@LB-vl3qn]

Mark, I learn so much from your videos. Thank you! I know parrots must be a common sight for you, but not for us here in the States. With all the lovely birds down under, I'm surprised you haven't given them a proper birdbath.

[@Selfsufficientme]

Thank you! Actually, I did make a birdbath (a big one) out of our old internet satellite dish but it blew over in a storm and I still haven't fixed it - another job to do... :)

[@wendyrowland7787]

LB but you do have lovely humming birds.

[@LB-vl3qn]

I should have known. What a great idea!

[@dollyperry3020]

Parrots might be annoying to you. But for me here in North America it was the highlight of the video. You are blessed. Thank you for sharing!

[@Selfsufficientme]

Ok great, I'm glad you liked the parrots (Rainbow Lorikeets) and I'm only kidding that they "annoyed" me because I do love them too even though they sometimes eat my mandarins! Cheers :)

[@sharonwalia4162]

Dolly Perry I love seeing the parrots, too. I'm sorry they pick on your fruit. That would tick me off, too. I'm from the States, too so that was a treat for me as well, to witness the parrots bathing in the rain gutter. Sensational colors. I saw even purple on one. Maybe there is a way to cover your fruit while they are growing so the parrots can't get at them. I'm sure you have tried that but that's my first thought. Probably coat the fruit with something that is safe to eat but tastes terrible to the parrots and washes off well or can be pealed off by us and doesn't sink too far into the flavor of the fruit. That's all I can think of. Then what would do that. A Cheyenne pepper paste? I don't know what they don't like lol. But I would try various things. Sweet loving ants love to destroy my strawberries. We had to relandscape everything due to our house burning down so my finally perfect spot for strawberries and close to the house so I can keep a better daily eye on them is under cement patio now. Poo. My daughter wanted her own garden as a child so we made that small area just for her together and planted potato pieces with the eye on it under the soil, deeper and planted strawberries on top. After the strawberries were done, a little later on came the potatoes. That was such fun for her. We had enough to make one extra large flat baking sheet of French fries that we salted and baked. Everyone got some and my daughter was so proud and happy and enjoying sharing what she grew and enjoyed eating the fries herself. I miss those days. She's 32 now. She hasn't married or had children and doesn't want to. Says she would like to help an older child and adopt the child instead of the child growing up in an orphanage. She is fluent in French and English. I wonder if dipping the fruit in warm but not hot wax would help. Lol. Sounds crazy but might work. Not too hot or the fruit would get baked ha ha. You want a thicker coat anyway. I'm sorry I called them parakeets. You mentioned that they are Rainbow Lorikeets.

[@sharonwalia4162]

Self Sufficient Me These Rainbow Lorikeets I wrote about them in another person's comment. I hope you can find it. It's just ideas I'm throwing out there to you to keep the birds off your fruit. Wondering if you tried it or if it works or what. Also, has anyone tried to train these Rainbow Lorikeets to talk or do tricks? Or do they mainly just sit on your shoulder or rain gutter and poop the back of your clean shirt up lol? 😂Or possibly poo on your head. Oh, that would really make me mad. Would have to wash my hair right away. Bleh!!! Gross!!!Just teasing you. Ha ha. But I am wondering if ppl have tried to train them. I'm thinking they must be very young babies to bond to a human then it would be easier to train them. I found the suggestions I was talking about to keep the Lorikeets off your mandarins. It is in Dolly Perry's space that I wrote about that. I love mandarins, too. I can see why the Rainbow Lorikeets are so attached to them. Yum!!! How about trying the liquid that is brushed on little childrens' thumbs before bed when the mother knows the child will suck his/her thumb to sleep and mom is trying to keep child from getting buck teeth? Either they put a numbing agent in it so they can't taste for a while or they put hot pepper squeezed from Cheyenne or even hotter peppers. Sounds horrible and cruel. My mom used to put the hot one on my little brother's thumb. My older brother and I didn't need it.

[@ArniethePirate]

You are most excellent Mark. I'm in Maine, USA which isn't exactly a similar climate, but you have tons of relatable information. I love the earlier videos and the new. Keep on keepin' on please! Two years ago, someone gave me their old composite decking which I have turned into 7 raised bed. A few weeks ago, someone else gave me enough of their old composite decking to make 12 more beds of differing sizes. It's a heap of work, but it'll be worth it. Now to dig them down into the ground. This, all because of you...and well, me too.

[@akaimon3]

Excellent video Mark. As Austin Texas moves into another summer in fraught conditions, all your greenery, rain, parrots and birds having a bath is a lovely/calming effect. Thanks!

[@Selfsufficientme]

Thanks mate! Well, it can get pretty hot here too but at the moment the weather is wonderful and yes everything is so green - glad you liked it. Cheers :)

[@50shadesofgreen]

hello Mark !! great update on how two prevent and eradicate weeds In your raised beds !! great looking birds taking a bath in your gutters !! thanks for sharing and happy gardening !!

[@draco_2727]

Mark, Thanks again (and again) for the good info you share. By the time I get to have my own garden/patio I feel like I'll have a PhD based off the experience shared on your videos and other channels. Absolutely beautiful birds! those colors

[@Selfsufficientme]

Thanks Carlos! Glad you liked it mate and good on you for having the foresight to seek gardening knowledge ahead of actually getting your project started. We all are constantly learning in the garden but it helps to learn from each other also. Cheers :)

[@hanhvu1289]

Carlos López I

[@lifewithmikeandjenn5814]

Great info as always Mark! The parrots, noisy or not, are beautiful! Much love from the states! 😁

[@greenmacaroni8872]

I think I’d be running all over the house like a crazy lady trying to get everyone to come see those beauties! This is a great way to get rid of weeds. I’ve learned a lot from you. Thank you for sharing!

[@tonifiredragon8752]

Wow!!! Them birds just playing around free....soo beautiful 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@mammiemania893]

ohh! You do such work saving plants. You are amazing to want to show us these details. It's in the details that others can learn and appreciate being self sufficient. You are greatly appreciated. Thanks so much for you dedication!

[@Selfsufficientme]

Hi there and thank you for your kind feedback! All the best to you! :)

[@janice-aztowy]

Your place is beautiful! So lush and green. The parrots are so cool!

[@wendyrowland7787]

I have not tried it, but "lasagne" gardening is good way of smothering the weeds. You place cardboard or thick layers of newspaper over the bed. Then you cover it all with a generous layer of manure. The worms will draw the nutrients through and the card will decompose having done its' job. I think any virulent aggressive grasses need to be carefully forked through and removed. I love to see the parrots, in case you didn't understand them, they asked you not to sort the gutter.

[@crazydaverocks]

Hey Mark, not sure if you realise but one of the 'weeds' in that bed was Scurvy Weed (Commelina cyanea) a native rainforest groundcover. Edible and high in vitamin c, hence the name given to it by early settlers - 'scurvy weed'. Goes good in a salad. Looks like the introduced Wandering Dew a little bit (which isn't edible) but Commelina has blue flowers, wandering dew has white.

[@donnamccardle1794]

I actually saw a furniture ad before it started. Good practical advice. Beautiful place!

[@Selfsufficientme]

Thanks Donna! Cheers :)

[@wwsuwannee7993]

You just gave me a good idea for some shrubs I have been trying to get rid of for a few years. Sometimes I think I'm winning , and sometimes they are obviously winning :) Thanks Mark.

[@Selfsufficientme]

Best of luck getting rid of those shrubs! Thank you and cheers :)

[@nancyfahey7518]

You gave me a great idea. I have glass panes I use for portable tables that I move around. They are from old sliding doors, tempered glass. If I build a raised bed I'll make the dimensions to the glass. Great weed killer/fryer.

[@isabellaabruzzi9611]

The birds are gorgeous. We don't have anything like them in Michigan!

[@fiedrish01]

Thank you for the videos. Lots of references for us to start our garden for life in New Caledonia island. I hate those seeds weeds. Cannot wait for more videos. Cheers

[@kerriefaichney4901]

Love your choice of music

[@dear_prudence]

Great video, love the tarp idea, and the parrots were a treat. :)

[@Selfsufficientme]

Thank you Paulette! :)

[@ashcash111296]

This is a very informative video. How long do I leave the tarp on? I live Avery hot and humid region in zone 9b in Texas. This is a great time to use the tarp, as temperatures are in the mid 90s and climbing.

[@imacrapschick]

You have a beautiful place. Look at those birds!!!

[@Volleyball_Chess_and_Geoguessr]

Those birds are ridiculously beautiful. We only ever see birds like that in the zoo!

[@lisas5913]

Tarps are great btw love the music :)

[@thushiweera6696]

good video. Nice to see all your companions who seem to be helping you out. lol. 😊

[@PeterSedesse]

wow, those birds are gorgeous.

[@izabeau1953]

Those birds taking a bath are beautiful......

[@janetbransdon3742]

I use my chickens to get rid of unwanted grass. Enriching the soil is an added bonus.

[@AmericanArtWorld]

I love the idea , i have 2 lemon plants , each 3 year old and always have grass and weeds around them. I am gonna put tarp

[@tapewormrage]

I assumed using a tarp could kill off grass, but this proves it.

[@wildchookMaryP]

Good idea Mark. I am going to do the same with my garden too.

[@gacha___cookie7736]

having the same problem grass has just taken over my garden and I can't seem to keep up. Oh my that black frill mustard will become a drama for you those seeds just keep coming back. I hate that mustard. I am going to try and get it out of my garden. Red Malabar growing, good for you. I love my Holy Basil the best in my garden. I am trying to get longevity spinach to take off, and some Egyptian onion this year. Learning about Hugelkultur beds. That grass is driving me mad also. good luck with getting rid of it! thnx for sharing the clip about the beautiful birds splashing in the water that's to cool!

[@Selfsufficientme]

Hi Terry, I agree it's hard to keep up with the weeds and grass in the garden sometimes! I've made my own versions of Hugelkultur beds - I should do a proper video of that one day... Cheers :)

[@nancyfahey7518]

BTW, I have 2 male golden mantle Rosella, 12 years old that I adore. 1 talks very clearly.

[@thuffman44]

Great video Mark. Nicely done.

[@Selfsufficientme]

Thanks Tim! :)

[@marilyngandhi4213]

Thank you again - I live near Ipswich not far from you!! :-)

[@ilsastruve6023]

Great video and idea. I’m in Washington , it is too late now to put the tarp. I usually start my veg panning in April. My beds are full of weeds. Thanks for any help

[@tedhiggins262]

Hi Mark, would love to see a video dedicated to your local birds and wildlife, even the pests! :)

[@imacrapschick]

I use a different smother method because I have it available.....I take a bail of hay and lay it 8 inches thick twice a year over my whole garden.... 6 weeks before spring planting and after the last plant is gone in fall(For winter). .....In the beginning, the weeds came up a good bit but, as the years passed(And more hay added over the last) I don't have any weeds. People ask me how I get such good soil....well, its just dead grass and the microbes and worms love it. I grow big healthy veggies and I don't have to use fertilizer or anything......Occasionally, I will get a pest but, I just use a non toxic way of killing them. I have a big garden so, tarps would cost me thousands. I needed a cheaper way to smother....the hay costs me 60 dollars a year. I read a book on this method by Ruth Stout- called the Stout Method. It work great. The only advice I have is to be patient because, this method takes time to develop. Its not an overnight magic. The Earth will start to turn the hay into mulch, in time. You need rain to start the process off right.....I'm always smiling when I get a big rain after I've put down my 8 inches of hay......I know it's beginning to break down. LOL I've done this for 10 years!! The only weeds I have to kill is the grass that likes to run into my garden from the edges....I use Dawn, vinegar, Epsom Salt and table salt mixed into one and spray it around the edges of my garden.....about 4 times a year. I'm lazy and use a 4wheeler and a sprayer to get the job done in under 30 minutes. I try to find the easiest method for me to do things. I'm almost 50 years old and have 45 acres to control. You find simpler ways that make your chore list shorter!!! LOL I think the book is available on Amazon- Well, I know it is. I gave a copy to my sister for Christmas last year. She started the method this Spring and she still has some weeds but, the 2nd layer of hay should take care of the tougher weeds still poking thru. By the 4th layer, no weeds or grass will be able to survive but, her veggies will thrive in all the organic matter left behind. I believe any smother method is better than using chemicals and breaking your back. Garden smarter!

[@janereynolds7555]

Lovely vid. Love the birds too.

[@forforkssake30]

did i miss the point where you said for how long the tarp is going to be on the field? please help :)

[@mitchellbourne5268]

He said several months

[@excentricaboutlife]

love the channel mark! any advice for bindweed and brambles? my whole allotment society is overun!

[@raqibulhasan5436]

so inspiring! thanks for the videos!

[@Mtkrvi06]

Oh my goodness! I would never go inside if I had birds like this to watch all day! I would get nothing done!

[@desgoulding7154]

MATE LOVE THE VIDEOS MANY THANKS FOR SHARING MY FRIEND

[@snewsan6645]

Hi, Scooter!

[@ChezGra]

Nice video. Not so cool that KZbin included an herbicide ad right before your video started! I guess they don't let you choose what ad to show!

[@Wingedshadowwolf]

ChezGra They showed some kind of cleaning product for me. I think it's based on the video tags. This video is probably listed as 'garden' so anything garden or possibly household related is shown.

[@ChezGra]

Yes, I think you are right

[@Selfsufficientme]

Yes that's correct no content creator on KZbin has control over the ads that are shown but advertisers have control over what video their ads are shown on. Many content creators are moving to a Patreon model and I'm strongly considering this myself as a way to be less reliant on placement advertising as the future for independent KZbinrs like myself isn't looking great considering recent developments on KZbin ie the "Ad-pocalypse" that many people are talking about. At the moment, revenue on my Website blog www.selfsufficientme.com/ is rising steadily due in part to the kind support from our KZbin community whereby people watch a video and then check out my Website, read some of my articles, and subsequently follow an affiliate link etc. I personally prefer this type of model than a subscription based one because then all the content is presented freely to everyone whether they can afford to contribute a little or not. Anyway, your question is a good one so thanks for giving me the opportunity to briefly explain how the ads relate to me. Cheers :)

[@ChezGra]

Self Sufficient Me I understand. Thank you for taking the time to answer. It is becoming rather complex for everyone. I am one that watches ads as a way to support the channels I follow and like. But lately I have had to put up to up to 5 ads in a 12 minute video!!! Just too much. I don't have the time. And not only that. In the same day KZbin run the same ad on let's say 10 channels that I follow. Just Too much. Really crazy! I have learned so much through channels like yours that I would hate for people like you to go away. Thank you again!!!!

[@rubygray7749]

Last week I watched 2 videos that had ads of 45 & 47 MIINUTES each! About 15 times as long as the videos! Needless to say they were quickly clicked off. What are advertisers thinking?

[@utahblackbeltmommy]

Thank you for this very helpful video! I have an off topic question to ask. What is the breed of your dog in the video. We have a rescue dog that looks very much like yours. We've been told she's a Jack Russel Terrier mix ( I don't see it, myself), but she looks almost exactly like your dog. Black spot at tailbase, tail shape, body, head, ears, and face. It would be great to better understand her genetics. Any insight is appreciated.

[@1969rbmustangboss]

I once asked my late father what was the best way to get rid of nut grass and his answer was, "Move off and leave it." lol

[@sujimartens6757]

Thank you for your video on weeds.. of you have torpedo grass that come up from under the garden beds in rhizomes? It is killing us here in Florida! Any specific advice? Thank u

[@elsadakota1021]

Whew! So glad you’re o.k!

[@gatetres]

thanks for great tip !

[@julieankhan.2801]

If u offer them a bird bath and food and redirect them where you want them to go. They might not eat yor fruit, but go to where you trained them to look for food. Love the parrots. I have a bare eyed too. Mischievous lil fellers

[@shannonstover2917]

Hello Mark. Thanks for the great advice. I live in South West Florida and it appears we have a lot of the same types of weeds as you do. So this will be very helpful. I was wondering, however, do you have problems with fireants or some other ant species.? The fireants here cover my backyard and last year they destroyed my cucumbers and spaghetti squash.

[@njtech2005]

Did you remove/rake/dispose of the dead weeds on the original bed or mulch it all in? I watched it a couple times but wasn't sure. Thanks great video - love the parrots! :)

[@goodingwashington6099]

That is a paradise

[@_carly7]

Great information here Mark. I am needing to clear out the grass from our asparagus patch. Is this safe to use for the asparagus crowns or is there another method you would recommend?

[@TwoFamilyHomestead]

Love your raised beds !! I'd like you to consider being a guest on our Monday evening live stream (9pm est) we'd love to have you :)

[@savvysue3537]

Greetings from a very hot & humid Savannah, GA USA. For the past week, we've experienced most days reaching high up to 100 degrees F, (or 37+ deg. C. for you!). About a week ago, I removed most weeds, runners, etc, from my small back yard. Unfortunately, they've quickly returned. So, I need to clear the yard of vines (creepers), tree roots, and lots of weeds. I'm not sure the tarp method is going to be effective on these runners and roots. Would you have any suggestions to safely remove the vines, and roots, resulting in natural soil beds? Locally, I've been advised to use the herbicide 'Roundup', an option I wish to avoid at all costs. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks for your helpful videos. Sue

[@susanyoung2503]

I'm sure I missed it, but how long did you leave the tarp on? Great Video! Thanks!

[@Quarry4x4]

I can't believe you put them back into your bed. Nut grass is just like Steven Seagal. Hard to kill, above the law, under siege, you need to make an, Executive decision, and make it, under siege 2. I could go on but...some people tire of it.

[@northeastdroneproductions]

love ya work. I'm putting another garden bed in this week. Really need to look at what I can grow and what time of year to plant things. Any suggestions?

[@Selfsufficientme]

Thanks matt. What to plant at what time etc depends on where you are ie your climate zone so it's a little hard for me to generalise. Cheers :)

[@northeastdroneproductions]

Oh sorry, I'm in brizzy

[@northeastdroneproductions]

sorry mate, yeah i'm in brizzy

[@agnessherwood6111]

matt north Lo by by

[@ric8072]

Hey Mark, thanks for the info. I've just covered my weed filled vegetable patch.... How long should I leave it on? I'm in Sydney during winter time. Thanks

[@JohnMartinez-sm1sk]

I do the same thing works good

[@648Roland]

Any suggestions to get rid of oxalis/soursobs down here in central Victoria?

[@davidthelan7238]

With your beds why don't you make a Chicken coop up to sit over the beds to let them go through the bed and take out all the seeds and weeds plus compost the bed at the sane time

[@OKae88]

Perfect idea

[@elsadakota1021]

Oh man! What did you do to your fingers?

[@cweb1210]

Any suggestions for getting rid of grass in an active raised bed? I keep pulling and they're coming back full force

[@isabeld.9926]

I heard straw, not hay, straw, is good to use. We'll be trying that and see if it works. Suppose to keep the ground cool. It gets to 108 degrees here in AZ.

[@Lintlicker798]

Liked the vid. music not so much. Loved the parrots interupting!

[@Selfsufficientme]

Thanks for the feedback! Yes it seems a safer bet to stay away from music in my videos. Cheers :)

[@beyondbecca5407]

Mark, have you tried using a clear plastic to solarize? I heard it works better with clear. Idk if that’s true or not.

[@Selfsufficientme]

I haven't tried that but thanks for the idea I must give it a go! Cheers :)

[@mrstn123]

I also have to tarp grass. We have nut grass but it's the Bermuda grass that is the Devil here in Arkansas. I have never seen a long tarp like you have. Is it from marine use? What is the other fabric you mentioned?

[@jennyjones2815]

For instance layer papers and put dirt over them and plant

[@watchme3569]

Can i put tarp in 2 weeks before planting or its to late to put now 🙁

[@shashakeeleh5468]

Are those parrots native to QLD, or were they brought over years ago when the land was settled? If you manage to really get rid of that nut grass, the, salute! I've covered things for years, and it still comes back. I HATE IT! LOL!

[@melindalemmon2149]

How long did tarp stay down, please.

[@lindaw2652]

I live in Utah and my garden has up to two feet of snow on it, frost in Mid Oct until May 1-7. Will the tarp kill bind weed?

[@rachaelp3942]

Would this method work with couch grass too? I have two Birdies beds in my small garden and I’ve been battling grass in them all summer. I don’t know whether to cover them or empty them and attempt to dig all the grass out (what a nightmare) I have a few long lived veggie plants in there that I am worried about moving. What do you think?

[@yackfzay6224]

Great Idea using tarp to do the works for you. Those parrots, there millions of them.

[@Selfsufficientme]

Thanks Yack, yeah there's no shortage of Lorikeets around that's for sure! :)

[@batpherlangkharkrang7976]

Hi..... 🎥👍👍👍

[@jeanettekniebusch9532]

You should SHARE your mango and vegetable abundance w a loca l food pantry.

[@wendyhamarich2064]

Why almost everyone waste time on saying some garbage instead of going to explain how to solve the problem directly. I don’t care what you want to salvage your plants.

[@StockdaleJamie]

How long does it need to do this

[@benjaminmassie2978]

is that mr. Mcmuffin helping you ?

[@kieranreddan3273]

Is that the horse poo you got from the stable mark????

[@KambizSayari]

What you have parrots in your backyard? !

[@markspain1132]

The birds were a plus.

[@dandingo168]

G'day Mark, how long do you leave the tarp on? Does it kill running grasses like cooch and kikuyu?

[@Selfsufficientme]

G'day Daniel, I leave it on for a minimum of 8 weeks but usually longer or until I want to use the bed and by that time it usually has smothered everything to death including grasses like cooch and kikuyu.

[@bigh650]

took me 5 years to get rid of the nut grass - couldn't cover the bed be well

[@Selfsufficientme]

Yes it's a mongrel thing that nut grass... Cheers :)

[@garyhodges8931]

any advise on Ants

[@bowie19jan]

Hi Mark, how long would you leave the tarp on the garden bed for?

[@Selfsufficientme]

G'day, I leave it on for a minimum of 8 weeks but usually longer or until I want to use the bed and by that time it usually has smothered everything to death. Cheers :)

[@jijineko5024]

I'm so sorry if I missed this in the video or another comment but approximately how long would you need to keep the tarp on? I live in Tropical Trinidad in the Caribbean so no Winter, only rain and sun. Weeds are driving me insane and my garden looks like my place is abandoned! :-(

[@Selfsufficientme]

It depends on the weather (how hot it is) if in summer the tarp will heat up so much that the weeds will be dead within a few weeks (say 2-4). What you can do is remove the tarp for about a week and allow any weed seed still surviving to resprout and then cover it again to kill off the remaining weed seedlings. After that, mulch well and plant out! Good luck! :)

[@jijineko5024]

Self Sufficient Me Oh thank you so much! Loved your video and will be trying it!

[@TheRugghead]

❤u funny from years ago

[@mohamedalladin5784]

that plant that you called (that darn think ) is food

[@bryceleonardo3442]

what kind of vineing spinach was that with the berries?

[@Selfsufficientme]

+Bryce Leonardo it's Malabar spinach :)

[@mru_shycat]

Hi, darude sandstorm? Music name plz??

[@gidleyreporting]

you can color your fingers!)

[@Thegardeningworldcom]

And when you let weeds get like you do and go to seed you will forever have weeds in your beds. Get the weeds out before they go to seed and you won't have weeds like that.

[@skyval6359]

How horrible to have beautiful parrots competing with your video !!!!! :)

[@HewettHomestead]

Hey, New subber her from the US. Thats an amazing set up beother. Looking forward to checking out more. Check out our channel when you get a chance!

[@jennyjones2815]

Hey did you realize all those sales papers can do the same thing as tarps? Just layer them and they eventually turn to mulch

[@hectorovalle4212]

too much talking to get to the point