Perennial Bed Renovation with Roundup and Super Soil

Same scenario as previous (60×9 ft bed, peonies central). Answer recommends Roundup with plastic protection for peonies, then Super Soil recipe.

Step-by-Step

1. Remove large weeds manually.
2. Cover peonies with heavy garbage bags, sealed at base.
3. Spray Roundup (or "Roots 'n All") on remaining weeds; repeat in 2 weeks.
4. Rake dead debris after 2 weeks.
5. Apply Super Soil Mix (see recipe) and rototill 12 inches.
6. Consider erosion fabric on slope.

Super Soil Recipe

Per 10×10 ft: 4 bags topsoil, 4 bags manure, compost, 2 bags sand, 1 bag Milorganite, 2 bags cedar mulch, 2 bags gypsum (clay), 2 bags sulfur. Rototill deep.

Preen for Maintenance

Apply Preen (or corn gluten) early spring and midsummer to prevent weeds.

Chemical clearing + soil building = fresh start.