killing lemon balm or any spreading plant

by sally
(norton ohio)

how can i get rid of this stuff without completely digging it up? is there any weed kill strong enough to get down and destroy the roots? we hate it -

Doug says that you get to start digging. Anything strong enough to kill off the roots doesn't qualify as "organic" in any way, shape or sense of things.

Having said that - you can lay *clear* plastic over top of it - weight down and seal the edges and leave it on for the summer. The heat buildup under the plastic will sterilize the soil and all plants, seeds etc will be killed in that area for a depth of 6-inches or so. This is called soil pasteurization or solarization and works really well in sunny areas.

(note black plastic doesn't do the same thing so use clear)

Do remove any desired plants from the area and thoroughly clean their roots of any other hitch-hiking plant roots and then replant before you lay down the clear plastic.

Other than that - constant vigilance is the key here.

And I feel your pain - this is the year I'm getting set to tackle seven of the worst garden thugs in the world as I build/landscape our new property. I'll started last year - and will continue whacking survivors this year. :-)