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How to stop the onion grass re-growing?

I have a 1m x .5m size dirt patch at the front of my house and until I decide what to do with it I'm looking for recommendations on how to stop the onion weed from re-growing.

It seems to grow so quickly and I then spend hours pulling them out.

Any recommendations on the best coverage to stop/deter the re-growth?

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MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @MaggieMay1. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about preventing weeds.

A simple and effective short-term option is to cover the area with weed mat and peg it down securely. Blocking the sunlight will stop onion grass from photosynthesising, which will greatly reduce regrowth while you decide what you want to do with the space.

That said, onion grass is persistent, and the fact it keeps coming back so quickly suggests the soil is quite healthy and active. When you eventually plant this area out, you will likely see the same issue again unless it is dealt with properly now.

Rather than continuing to hand-pull it, spraying the onion grass with a glyphosate-based herbicide as it appears is usually the most effective approach. Glyphosate is non-residual, meaning it does not remain active in the soil, so once the weeds are controlled, you can safely plant later. Just be careful of overspray, especially near shrubs or trees. Using cardboard or a physical shield around nearby plants while spraying helps prevent accidental damage.

A good approach would be to spray the onion grass, allow it to fully die off, then lay weed mat over the area and peg it down. This combination will significantly slow regrowth and make the area far easier to manage until you are ready for your next project. Remember to wear PPE when mixing and spraying including a face mask, gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, trousers and enclosed foot wear.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

MaggieMay1

Thanks Mitchell.

Is this product easy to use when spraying the weeds? I can't see if there is a pump action associated with this product.

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/60487#Comment_60487

Hello @MaggieMay1

It's actually a screw on spray gun. It is hand operated like a trigger spray bottle there is no need to pump the container. You'll get a better idea once you see it at the store and how it goes on.

Eric

MaggieMay1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/92720#Comment_92720

Thanks Eric.

My concern is that using a spray will be hard based on the size of the area. Whereas something like a pump would be easier to use.

Thoughts?

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/112583#Comment_112583

Hello @MaggieMay1

I understand your concern about the sprayer, especially if you are covering a wide area. A garden pump spray would definitely make the job easier, and you can effectively spray the area as you can reach further with a pump spray that has a wand. I propose investing in a pump spray as you'll be able to use it for other chemical sprays should you need it. My best advice is to make sure to clean the pump spray with water after use so that the chemicals don't eat up the O rings of the pump.

Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and mask when spraying.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

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