Do you have a pesky creeping Charlie weed in your garden or lawn? Don’t worry – it’s relatively easy to get rid of and doesn’t require any special tools, expensive products, or intensive labor. All you need is some Borax! Borax has been used for many years as a powerful method for killing weeds, including the notorious Creeping Charlie plant. This blog post will show you how simple it can be to use this inexpensive and safe product to eradicate Creeping Charlie from your landscape once and for all! Keep reading to learn exactly how to quickly fight back against this often hard-to-manage weed without breaking the bank.
Table of Contents
About Creeping Charlie
Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea), a perennial herb, can be found growing naturally in Europe. It has a prostrate habit and grows up to 12 inches in height, with creeping branches that have round, scalloped leaves. The plant produces small blue/purple flowers during the summer months. Creeping Charlie can be found growing in lawns, around gardens, and other moist areas. Unfortunately, this weed can become invasive if left unchecked and can take over an entire landscape if allowed to spread freely. [1]
Does Borax Kill Creeping Charlie In Lawns?
Absolutely! Borax is a surprisingly effective method to eliminate Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea) in lawns. This low-growing perennial weed is a common lawn pest that spreads quickly and can be difficult to eradicate.
It’s important to note that borax only kills foliage it comes into contact with, so make sure you spray the entire plant. Additionally, borax should not be used on newly established grass or other plants as it can damage them. It is also important to wear protective clothing and goggles when using Borax herbicide.
Effectively controlling Creeping Charlie in your lawn without harming other plants is easy when you use Borax! Following the proper safety precautions and application techniques will ensure maximum effectiveness and help keep your lawn weed-free for years to come!
How Do You Know Borax Is Working?
Once you’ve applied the Borax solution to the Creeping Charlie, it can take several days for the weed killer to work. The signs that your treatment is working include wilting of foliage and yellowing or browning of leaves. If you do not see any sign of progress after a few weeks, you may need to re-apply the Borax solution treated area. To ensure best results, repeated applications over an extended period of time are often necessary.
Applying the Borax solution in dry weather helps it better penetrate into the soil and root system. Additionally, if possible, avoid watering during this time as moisture dulls its effectiveness.
Finally, monitor other weeds in your lawn or garden; if they seem unaffected by your treatment then you may need to increase the concentration of Borax used in the solution. Also, make sure that none of your desired vegetation has been affected before continuing with treatment.
By using Borax and following these guidelines, you can be well on your way to eliminating those pesky Creeping Charlie weeds from your lawn or garden. With patience and persistence you should see results within several weeks. [2]
Precautions Of Using Borax As A Weed Killer
Using borax as a weed killer is an effective way to get rid of weeds such as Creeping Charlie, but there are some precautions you should take before using it. Borax can be toxic if ingested, so it’s important to keep pets and children away from treated areas until the product has completely dried up. Additionally, it can damage plants that you don’t want to kill and isn’t selective in what it destroys. Be sure to use caution when applying borax and only spray on Creeping Charlie or other undesired vegetation.
Another precaution is wearing protective gear such as gloves and long sleeves when handling borax since contact with skin can cause irritation.
By following these precautions, you can safely use borax as an effective herbicide to kill Creeping Charlie and other weeds. [3]
Creeping Charlie Cultivation And Applications
Creeping Charlie, also known as Glechoma hederacea, is a perennial creeping plant with spreading stems and rounded leaves. It is native to Europe, but has been widely distributed in North America and other parts of the world. In its natural form, it can grow in shady spots along roadsides, lawns, gardens and other moisture-retentive areas. While it may look attractive in some cases, Creeping Charlie can become an invasive weed due to its fast growth rate and ability to tolerate low light conditions.
In addition to being a nuisance weed in certain situations, Creeping Charlie has several uses both medicinally and horticulturally. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked as a spinach substitute and the plant has a mild flavor reminiscent of lemon. It can also be dried and used as a tea or tincture to treat digestive problems, chest colds and fever. In terms of horticultural use, Creeping Charlie is often planted in shady areas as ground cover or in hanging baskets as it is drought tolerant and does not require much maintenance.
Despite its many uses, Creeping Charlie can quickly become a nuisance if it takes over an area due to its fast-spreading nature. To prevent this from happening, you may need to take control measures such as using borax to kill the weed. Borax is a natural mineral composed primarily of sodium borate that kills weeds by disrupting their cell membranes, causing them to dry out and die. When used correctly, it is a safe and effective way to get rid of Creeping Charlie without damaging your lawn or garden.
Creeping Charlie As A Traditional Medicine
Creeping Charlie is a species of plant in the mint family and is native to North America. It is also known by a variety of common names, including ground ivy, gill-over-the-ground, and creeping jenny. Creeping Charlie has been used as a traditional medicine for centuries to treat various conditions such as stomach aches, colds, fevers, and asthma. The leaves are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. They have a slightly bitter taste that some people find unpleasant so it’s best to cook them with other foods or herbs to mask the flavor. [4]
How Long Does It Take for Borax to Work?
When using Borax to kill Creeping Charlie, it can take a few days or even weeks for the plant to die. This is because Borax must be absorbed through the roots of the Creeping Charlie in order for it to work effectively. Therefore, it’s important to vigilantly monitor your progress and apply additional treatments if necessary. Additionally, Borax should only be used according to manufacturer’s instructions as too much can damage other plants nearby. If you follow the directions closely, however, you should begin to see results within a few days.
It’s also worth noting that Borax is most effective when Creeping Charlie is actively growing, so timing your applications with periods of growth can help ensure maximum effectiveness. As with any weed killing method, multiple applications may be necessary to completely eradicate the problem. With careful monitoring and patience, you should eventually see the Creeping Charlie start to wither and die, allowing you to reclaim your garden or lawn from this pesky pest.
Overall, Borax can be an effective way of getting rid of Creeping Charlie but it is important to remember that it can take several days or weeks before results become apparent. Additionally, it’s essential to follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully in order to protect other plants nearby from any potential damage. With consistent attention and patience, however, you should eventually achieve success in eradicating this troublesome weed.
Challenges with Borax
Using Borax to kill Creeping Charlie can be challenging. Borax is a mineral often found in laundry detergents, but it isn’t always the most effective solution for killing Creeping Charlie. When applied directly to the plant, it may not penetrate deep enough into the roots or soil to kill all of the creeping Charlie plants.
Additionally, using too much Borax can damage nearby grass and other vegetation as well as upset the pH balance of your lawn. Therefore, it’s important to use caution when choosing this method and follow label instructions carefully to avoid causing unintended harm.
Moreover, multiple applications may be necessary to completely rid your lawn of creeping Charlie using Borax alone. Keep in mind that this method should only be used on non-edible plants and not any vegetation that could be consumed by people or animals.
By using caution and following these tips, you can effectively use Borax to kill Creeping Charlie without damaging your lawn or putting yourself in danger. With patience and persistence, this method will eventually rid your lawn of Creeping Charlie for good! [5]
FAQ
How long does it take for borax to kill creeping Charlie?
The exact time it takes for borax to kill creeping Charlie depends on a variety of factors, such as the concentration of the solution and environmental conditions. Generally, however, you can expect to see results within 2-3 days after application. For best results, reapply the solution every two weeks until all signs of infestation have been eliminated.
Is borax good to kill creeping Charlie?
The answer is yes! Borax can be used to kill creeping Charlie, which is a type of ground ivy, or Glechoma hederacea. To get rid of creeping Charlie using borax, first mix one part borax with eight parts water. Then, apply this mixture directly onto the weed leaves and stems. Make sure to completely saturate all areas where the weeds are growing. Finally, stand back and wait for the mixture to work its magic – in less than two weeks you should start seeing results!
What is the ratio of borax and water to kill creeping Charlie?
Mix two tablespoons of Borax with two cups of hot water. Stir the mixture until all the Borax is dissolved and then pour the liquid onto any areas affected by creeping Charlie. The chemical reaction of the Borax will cause it to break down and bind with the plant’s tissue and thus kill it, leaving behind a harmless residue. To reduce any risk of contact, wear gloves when handling Borax. Re-apply this mixture every one or two weeks until all visible signs of creeping Charlie are gone. Keep an eye out for regrowth and re-treat as necessary. Be sure to keep children and pets away from treated areas until all product has been absorbed into the soil.
Why is borax banned?
Although borax has been used as a weedkiller for many years, in some countries it has been banned due to its potential health hazards. Inhalation of the powder can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat; prolonged exposure may even lead to pulmonary edema. It is also very toxic if ingested and should be kept away from children and pets at all times. The runoff from any treated areas should not be allowed to enter into waterways or other bodies of water as it could disrupt fragile ecosystems. Despite its potential risks, borax remains an effective way to kill creeping Charlie when used safely and according to directions. Taking the time to read labels carefully and understanding all safety precautions will ensure that this method of pest control is done responsibly.
Can you leave borax overnight?
Borax should not be left overnight on the ground or in any areas where it can come into contact with people, plants, or animals. The substance is highly toxic and can cause serious health issues if ingested or inhaled. Do not leave borax on a surface for an extended period of time as the powder may blow away in the wind and spread to other parts of your yard. Treat only small sections at a time and re-apply every one or two weeks until all visible signs of creeping Charlie are gone. Always remember to wear gloves during application, as well as keep children and pets away from treated areas until all product has been absorbed into the soil. If applied correctly, borax is an effective way to kill creeping Charlie.
What happens if you mix borax and vinegar?
When you mix borax and vinegar, they react to create an acid that is capable of killing bacteria, fungi, and other organisms. This solution can be used to kill Creeping Charlie by spraying it directly onto the leaves of the weed. The acid will penetrate the surface of the plant and cause it to die within a few days. It is important to note that if you use too much borax or too strong a solution, you may damage your grass or other plants in your lawn. Therefore, it’s best to test a small area first before applying it all over your lawn. Additionally, make sure that you are wearing protective clothing such as gloves when handling this solution in order to avoid any skin irritation or rashes. After applying the solution, it is best to wait a few days before mowing the lawn to ensure that any remaining Creeping Charlie has been killed. With this simple method, you can easily kill this pesky weed and restore your lawn back to its former beauty.
Useful Video: How to Kill Weeded Creeping Charlie With Borax
Conclusion
Once you have used Borax to kill Creeping Charlie and all other weeds, it is important to continue monitoring the area for any re-growth. If you spot any, simply reapply the Borax solution as needed. Additionally, some gardeners may want to use a pre-emergent herbicide that prevents germination of new seeds from taking place after the existing weeds are killed off. This can help ensure that your lawn and garden remain weed-free for longer periods of time. With proper care and maintenance, using Borax to kill Creeping Charlie and other weeds can be an effective way to keep your outdoor spaces looking great!
References:
- https://borates.today/creeping-charlie-borax-weedkiller/
- https://thegardeningcook.com/borax-weed-killer/
- https://gardenine.com/borax-for-creeping-charlie/
- https://thegardeningcook.com/borax-weed-killer/
- https://www.gardenguides.com/128335-use-borax-lawn-kill-creeping-charlie.html