Workshop
Ask a question

The Bunnings Workshop community can help with your home improvement projects.

What's the best coverage for a dirt patch to stop the onion grass re-growing?

MaggieMay1
Just Starting Out

What's the best coverage for a dirt patch 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?

Garden.jpg

MitchellMc
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: What's the best coverage for a dirt patch to stop the onion grass re-growing?

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
 

See something interesting? Give it the thumbs up!
MaggieMay1
Just Starting Out

Re: What's the best coverage for a dirt patch to stop the onion grass re-growing?

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.Spray.png

EricL
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: What's the best coverage for a dirt patch to stop the onion grass re-growing?

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

 

See something interesting? Give it the thumbs up!

Why join the Bunnings Workshop community?

Workshop is a friendly place to learn, get ideas and find inspiration for your home improvement projects