What can I use to get rid of crabgrass without harming groundcover?

[SheltieLover]

I detest chemicals, but this crabgrass (just a small patch) is very problematic as it grows about 100 xs quicker than the rest of the lawn.

Tyia!

Ps: Bonus if such a product exists that is not harmful to animals, bees, etc.

[bucolic_frolic]

1. Claw it out with a weeder

I used crab grass killer long ago, results were less than mixed. Maybe they've made improvements?

Another trick is to cut the grass high so the taller varieties squeeze out the crabgrass.

Or just pull the seeds when they appear to cut down on next year.

[SheltieLover]

3. Ty

Neither is an option for me, but tyvm.

[niyad]

2. From what I read: manual (especially after nice rain), vinegar+dish soap+

salt, or boiling water.

[SheltieLover]

4. Tyvm

[niyad]

5. It was also suggested to aerate if possible. Seems soil compaction

exacerbates the problem. I used to use an old pair of high heels. Some use golf shoes, but the cleats do not go deeply enough. They work fine, however, if one is just sowing clover!

[SheltieLover]

6. Ty

[GreatGazoo]

7. A stirrup hoe if it is small

a spade if it is bigger. I try to get under it with a shovel and then pull it out.

[SheltieLover]

9. Ty

[Ponietz]

8. Boiling water narrow spout

repeat

[SheltieLover]

10. Ty

[NJCher]

11. how small is the patch?

Describe in feet. Is it in the middle of the grass or is it a separate section? Depending on size, I may have a very easy solution for you.

[SheltieLover]

12. It's probably 30' or so by about 20' and in the middle of grass.

It's a real PITA because it grows ridiculously quickly.

TYIA!

[NJCher]

13. too big for my proposed solution

however, let me think on it plus I will ask some other gardeners. I'll post back after I have a chance to do this.

[NJCher]

14. Wow, 2 seconds after I posted that

An idea came to me. However, I need to do a little research to tell you the best way to take care of it.
BB after I do this research.

[SheltieLover]

15. Ty!

[NJCher]

16. solarizing crabgrass patch

First, I checked the organic suppliers and they have non-toxic weedkillers, but I doubt that it will kill crabgrass. To check for yourself, go to Bonide and put in weed killer crabgrass. You'll get entries, but I note none of them specifically say they'll kill crabgrass. I tried this with other organic garden supply companies and found the same.

What you could do if you don't mind how it looks for about a year is solarize it. Some people would use plastic for this, but I wouldn't. I would get as many large sheets of cardboard as I could and lay it over the crabgrass. Then I'd buy straw bales and put it over the cardboard. At $13 a bale, your first round will be less than $100 to cover the space you're looking to cover. I'd be sure the straw is at least 10" thick.

Your second round will come just as you go into winter.

Like I said, you'll have to tolerate this patch for a year to kill all that crabgrass. OTOH, it will enrich your soil as it breaks down and when you re-sow the grass, it should be pretty nice.

Next spring, before seeding directly, I'd clear out the straw and put plastic over this section and let the sunlight kill any seeds that are left. You don't want to rake the ground, but it's ok to rake if cardboard is underneath. Then pull up the cardboard after you've raked the straw raked into one pile.

If you go this route, I'll give you tips on where to get large pieces of cardboard.

I have a feeling you're not going to want to do this, but it's the only thing I can think of that keeps dangerous pesticides away. Even high test vinegar, should you put it on that stretch, will ruin growing anything there for the future. The pesticides you already know about--like killing your ladybugs and parasitic wasps.