Four Directions Permaculture

We do not recommend the use of chemicals until it becomes the last resort! – Don Titmus and Jay Johnson Sept 2006

STAGE ONE

*You must get the Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon) growing strong and vigorous * The chemical Glyphosate Salt (or AKA “Round Up”) is most efficient when the grass (or any other green vegetation) is very active.

Therefore you must Feed and Water the grassy areas to achieve this. Once the grass is about 6 inches high vigorous and clean, apply the first spraying being careful not to spray any desirable plants and not during windy conditions. Choose a time when rain is not forth coming and the night time temperatures are above 68.F. Wait two days and begin watering and feeding the grassy areas, when the grass is green and vigorous again Spray the chemical once more. After three days cut the grass and then rake to force any seeds down to the soil surface. Feed and water until green and vigorous! Spray again.

(The purpose of this procedure is the draw up the energy of the deep roots and exhaust the grasses store and to get any seeds germinated to eradicate that propagation method too!)

Keep feeding and watering until no more grass occurs. At this point mow closely to remove the bulk of the dead grass. All cut grass should be disposed of in black (landfill) containers which go to the lined landfills around the valley for methane generation potential.

STAGE TWO

The Compost Tea (Aerobic Microorganisms) and Cover Crop phase. So using the other side of the “Sword” it is time to remediate the area sprayed with Glyphosate Salts. This entails the making of Fresh, Active inoculants or Compost Tea. and depending on what season, disperse a cover crop to draw into itself the chemical elements made available by the Compost Tea. (SEE FORMULA BELOW)

First decide when you have time to apply the Compost Tea and count back 36 hours to begin making the batch.

Then arrange for sufficient mulch or manure to cover the seeds with a top dressing ¼ - ½ inch.

The morning of the batch readiness prepare the area for seed, rake up debris, scratch the surface and complete any grass removal. Then disperse the seed, cover with the Mulch, spray with the Compost Tea and keep moist for the next two weeks as the cover crop germinates and grows.

Keep watering and organic feed weekly, promoting vigorous growth. Before the cover crop sets seed, harvest the plants and set up a compost area just for these plants (add paper, sawdust, and/or leaves for the correct ratio) and use the compost only on ornamental plants and trees (or remove to the landfill).

This step can be repeated with a second cover crop, if you have any concern about growing edible vegetables in this treated area.

Optimally - start this procedure in July as the Bermuda Grass start growing after the beginning of the summer rains and there is sufficient heat that makes the grass grow fast. By September the grass should be dead and cleared ready for the cover crop(s) during the Fall. Then your edibles can be planted in the spring.

Molecular Formula: Glyphosate C₃H₈NO₅P

Cover crop suggestions

*Early Summer Plants*	*Early Fall plants*
(June) Sunflowers	(Aug) Bush/vine beans, black eyed peas
(July) Chard	(Sept) Chard, Mustard, Broccoli, Collards, Pea, Kale, Alfalfa
	(Oct) Clover, vetch

Gather the items needed for the process, tub/bucket, stick, cloth/stocking, aerator, additives, rainwater.

Set up the container near an electric outlet in a cool place (indoors), make the “Tea” bag and loop on to the stick, suspend stick across the top of the container, add part of the water, add the additives, set aerator into the container and turn on, add remaining water and leave undisturbed for the next 24 – 36 hours.

STAGE ONE

STAGE TWO

Cover crop suggestions

Web info