Hi all,

Does anyone have any suggestions on establishing a garden where currently bahia is growing? If the ultimate answer is glysophate so be it, but I was hoping to avoid herbicides. The problem I'm pondering is the damage I've already done by tilling the area in question. My concern would be that by me tilling I've just compounded the bahia problem by creating huge amounts of shoots that will continue to grow. My other concern is that by tilling, have I just made it harder to get glysophate on the grass enough to kill everthing. Also, if I have to add something like Roundup, how long do I need to wait until I can bring in compost? Was hoping to get things ready for spring planting.

The area is roughly 60' x 60'. I've taken some of the top layer off and tilled several times. Although a lot does die, I do constantly see new growth. This stuff seems relentless. Sort of kicking myself of not just doing Roundup to start. Anyway, I really wanted to bring in a bunch of compost but am sort of in limbo not knowing the best course foward. I tend to ramble, so I'll wrap it up. Thanks for any help or suggestions in advance.

Chris

Herbicides would have worked much better on undisturbed Bahia. It may be too cool for optimum results, but you could cover the area with black plastic or tarps to kill the vegetation. I would leave it covered until you are ready to plant.

porkpal said:Herbicides would have worked much better on undisturbed Bahia. It may be too cool for optimum results, but you could cover the area with black plastic or tarps to kill the vegetation. I would leave it covered until you are ready to plant.

Tarping is how I started but after 3 months there was not much kill off. Maybe put them back on now that I've tilled it all up?

I think it is your only hope. I can't imagine how 3 months of cover didn't kill it, but Bahia grass is tough.