So, a few years ago, I dug up a big area in my backyard for a garden. The first season was fantastic, but life got busy, and I wasn't able to maintain it like I should have. I've only managed to weed it a couple of times a year since then, and now there's grass creeping under the barriers I set up. I've spent around three hours trying to clean it up but have only done about a quarter of the work. Now that life has calmed down, I'm ready to get back to gardening, but I'm thinking about a drastic solution. What if I drenched the garden, saved the healthy plants by digging them up, and set the rest on fire? Would the fire clear everything, or would the grass survive underneath? If I go this route, can I replant afterward by adding good soil?
3 Answers
I actually do something similar every spring using a propane torch. It’s an easy way to clear weeds, and it puts nutrients back into the soil. Just keep in mind that some plants might come back, so be careful not to start a brush fire!
Controlled burns can definitely help clear out grass, but they might not get rid of all the turfgrass. Safety is key—you have to know your local rules about burning and what’s in your area. It’s easy to start a larger fire than intended if you’re not careful, and some plants can release harmful fumes when burned. Also, check if you need permits for this kind of fire in your area.
Honestly, it's great that you're looking to get back into gardening! If you've only cleared a small area in three hours, it might just be best to stick it out and keep working at it—the pride from your hard work is rewarding! Just a heads up, burning could harm the soil quality by killing microbes, but small burns usually won’t do too much damage since soil can insulate quite well.