I've recently moved in to an apartment in DC with a deck and back yard. Since it's a private yard, I'm responsible for maintaining myself. They entire yard is covered with weeds. Can someone give me any advice on an inexpensive way to remove the weeds? If possible I would like to plant grass seed and not sod. It seems that the last tenant planted herbs, but I would like to get rid of those too and start fresh. This my first adventure with a yard! Help!!
Howdy Cherylvivian,
It looks like the weeds have taken over for sure.
It will take a bit of work, but to do it right will give you the results your looking for.
I would start by turning over the top 6-8 inches of the ground and letting the sun bake the plant/weed roots and wait to see what new weed seedlings spring up.
Next I would spray them with a weed killer and wait a week before doing anything.
Mix some Amend in with the soil to make sure you have nutrients for healthy plants.
Use a metal rake on the yard to create an angle that will allow water to drain.
Add grass seed and use either Kellogg's Topper or Scotts Seeding Soil over the seed at about 1-2 inches depending on weather. More for Summer, less for Fall.
The first two weeks, water twice a day 15-20 minutes.
The third week, water 20-30 minutes once a day.
The fourth week, water 30-45 minutes once a day every other day for one week
The fifth week you would water for 30-45 minutes once a day for this week.
Finally about the sixth week you can water 30-45 minutes twice a week for your new watering schedule.
The areas you would like to not have grass could be reused for planting flowers, shrubs,or veggies.
Here is a little drawing I made to give you somewhere to start. I think re-using the
brick for a border might be a good idea.
Happy Gardening,
