Crabgrass in the Vegetable Garden: Flame It or Spray Organically

Crabgrass invading your veggie beds? Since it's an annual, killing the top kills the plant.

Flame Weeding

A propane torch (flame weeder) sears seedlings instantly. Pass the flame briefly — don't incinerate. Works best on small plants in open soil. Avoid if mulch is present; it's a fire hazard.

Organic Herbicides

Products with acetic acid (vinegar), citric acid, or clove oil burn down foliage. They're non-selective, so shield crops. See a curated list at bit.ly/organicweed.

Prevention

Mulch heavily after weeding. Crabgrass needs light to germinate. Pre-emergent corn gluten meal in early spring can reduce next year's crop.

Hit it early, mulch after. Keep the garden clean without synthetic chemicals.