I'm in East Texas, about 45 miles SW of Tyler, on the fringe of Zones 8A/7B, on a little mountain, surrounded by pastures and mile of woodland. I've no pics...so many, many versions of weeds. Most usually die out by hot June, but that's too late for me to get my beds prepared for seed planting in the next few weeks. Usually March is safe to put out plants, but we've actually had snow in early April and big freezes in March, so no weather predictions to seriously plan on. Now, mostly in low-40's to high 50's though yesterday/today/maybe tomorrow, up to 75. Very unpredictable. We've had enough cold weather to frost and kill all the grasses we wanted for our horses but everything else is thriving. Feb., our worst month, now upon us, but if the weatherman is nice, maybe we could capture three days in a row in mid-50's. Thank you for your reply, and if you can furnish any suggestions, thank you in advance. Ann

Rather than an herbicide why not put down mulches to kill those "weeds"? Much better for your soil, you, and the environment.

kimmq is kimmsr

Thanks, kimmq for trying to help. Actually, I buy mulch by the 12-yds. dump truck full every year, and tree-cutters bring me their humongous loads of mulched limbs/leaves to use after decaying. Some of my beds are made only of mulches and others have 3-4 inches of mulch, purchased and ground-up here. Doesn't stop these beauties. Weed seeds light on them and love them. My winter weeds do not seem to come from under the ground. I have raised beds and they're lined on bottom with thick cardboard, newspapers, black weed matting, and black plastic. I live in a very rural area with some open pastures but mostly surrounded by miles of woodland and carpets of seeds from miles around are brought in by winds. I am careful never to spray around blooming plants b/c I plant for birds and butterflies but need to get rid of these carpets so I can plant for them. I'm looking for an herbicide that is biodegradable and safe around pets and wildlife. By the time my set-out annuals, planted seeds, or perennials come up I hand-dig weeds after plants are up. I've tried vinegar, corn meal, other stuff recommended by local organic sellers. If these weeds were in a large vegetable garden I might could get by with tilling under and waiting before they go to seed (yes, some do) but in my raised beds, can't do that and do not have the energy or strength or time or physical health to hand-turn under weeds in them, plus I have sleeping plants in there I don't want to damage.

Diquat is a non-selective (broad spectrum) herbicide that is not temperature sensitive. But it is not necessarily the most benign or least toxic product. Salt will work as well but will remain present in the soil until leached away by rainfall or irrigation. Wouldn't be something I'd choose if there were valuable plants present underground and dormant.

Thank you gardengal48.