Weed killer to prevent new seedlings in block paving?

[Pamela]

What type of weed killer would prevent new weeds germinating in block paving?

Although some recommend it, gylphosate isn't persistent enough and it doesn't kill seedlings until they have sprouted leaves.

[Mr Pounder Esquire]

Try uk.rec.gardening. They are very good.

[The Natural Philosopher]

oh dear. ignorant as usual

Go into a store that stocks garden chemicals and read labels - you can read labels? - and find one that says 'for clearing paths'

If that is too hard, give up and concrete your drive

Yes dear, we know that, dear

[Reentrant]

A "pre-emergent" weed killer.

[SH]

you mean a seed killer...... :-)

[Pamela]

Many effective weed killers have been banned, including those I would use to prevent germination.

If you read my original point below, it says that approach doesn't work. Stores and web sites often suggest glyphosate which I explained is not persistent.

[Andy Burns]

The good old PathClear used simazine, long since banned. the new PathClear is a mix of glyphosate and diflufenican, german wiki says

"Diflufenican is used as an active ingredient in herbicides. It is mainly absorbed through the soil, which leads to the death of the weed plants. Diflufenican remains effective for several weeks if there is sufficient soil moisture. It works primarily by inhibiting carotene biosynthesis and secondarily by increasing the breakdown of chlorophyll. The compound is stable in solution and against the effects of light and temperature. It is preferably used in autumn as a herbicide for winter cereals, especially pre-emergence and early post-emergence"

[jon]

I use Acetic acid.

[Theo]

I was looking at the instructions for a 'PathClear' type product recently (I can't remember which). The issue is that it would be OK on gravel where is can soak through, but on concrete/tarmac/block paving there's no soil so it'll just wash away and contaminate somewhere else. It's just the cracks where it's likely to get through, and 99% of it will be wasted - or washed onto plants that you want to keep.

Often much of the block paving doesn't have many weeds, but you want to prevent germination in the soil collected between the pavers.

I was wondering about the flamethrower things for zapping the extant weeds, but I gather that's a futile battle...

Theo

[The Natural Philosopher]

No your point doesnt say that at all

Not for clearing paths they don't.

There is always another ingredient in path clearing compounds

[The Natural Philosopher]

In block paving where you cant reach the roots , you might as well zap them with glyphosate

could boil up bleach to make sodium chlorate...

[Chris Bacon]

Tip a load of used engine oil over it. Should do the job well.

[Chris Bacon]

Oh dear. You don't sound as if you know what you're doing. Should have it laid by professionals.

ROFLMAO.

[Pamela]

Glyphosate perists for only days and then new germination could take place. I've already explained this to you.

[The Natural Philosopher]

God you are so THICK

If you cannot reach the roots you cannot prevent germination can you?

[Spike]

Forgive her...Pamela isn't a gardener but can't stop trolling.

[GB]

I was thnking of that. :)

Is it legal to do that in the UK? I know that sales are banned to normal end users, presumably because it can be used for making explosives.

Sodium chlorate (and the chloride that you get with it) are both rather soluble in rain water for use as a weedkiller. The OP could end up with weedy block paving and bare flowerbeds.

[The Natural Philosopher]

sales are banned. You cant ban a chemical you can make

Well that is so with anything.

[newshound]

Resisting the temptation to google that, even though I have a path that would benefit from some.

:-)

[Clive Arthur]

I used some once and nothing grew for two years, and even then it took a couple more before things were right again.

But do make sure you *thoroughly* rinse out the watering can. BTDTGTTS.