What kind of weed killer for veggie garden?

CoolMoD

We have a very aggressive weed in our veggie patch that spreads underground, so Preen makes no difference.  I haven't been able to identify what it is exactly.  We've used Roundup with really good results in other parts of the yard, but I really don't want to use that on plants that share the same soil as the vegetables.  Any advice?

rubyiu

Google chemical free weed killers and try one of those, or take your chances and go to a hardware store and see if they have one. Unfortunately anything will chemicals will affect your soil. I used a chemical free organic pest killer last year and it worked really well plus I didn't worry about there being icky chemicals in my food.

alliapistor

Do you know what type of weed it is?  That will make a difference in what is effective to get rid of it. 

Boiling water or vinegar are safe, but only work on certain types of weeds.

VanessaOSU

We have Canadian Thistle which spreads with an underground root system.  I have found that the best way to stop it is on areas you can spread thick layers or newspaper and then mulch to block the light and suppress the weeds from spreading into the area.  For areas where we have plants growing and we can't cover the soil I snip the leaves off.  I have learned that with those that spread through underground root systems if you pull one you end up with two because you have split the root.  Thats why I just snip the leaves off at ground level and then it can't grow.  Once I started using this method over pulling I found that they started to be less aggressive without the use of chemicals.

sally_ruth7

I'd suggest taking a cutting and asking someone at a garden/nursery store if they would identify it for you.  Once you know what it is, it'll be a lot easier to figure out the best way to get rid of it.  I don't see why you couldn't use Roundup (if it has worked in the past) to get rid of it.  Just follow the label directions...Roundup breaks down very rapidly in the soil so if you apply it before your veggies have emerged you'll be fine (or you can carefully spot spray if there are other good plants close-by).