I think this is really two questions in one.

First, would you expect Austrian Winter Pea to be winter killed in Zone 6? Maybe I chose a bad cover crop.

Second, now that these things weren’t winter killed, what should I do to kill them? I did cut some off at ground level, but it looks like they have leaves all the way down so I’m wary that they will grow back.

Thanks!

  • @IMALlamaOPEnglish
    3•7 months ago

    Thanks for the great reply! I only have four 4x8 raised, so getting in with my hands isn’t a big deal.

    I was hoping to minimally disturb the soil, which is why I haven’t just pulled it all up. Rather than hoeing, would cutting the plants below the soil level do the trick?

    • @ThrowawaySobriquetEnglish
      2•7 months ago

      If you’re looking to stand while you do that, you could use a hula hoe or a wire hoe (they’re basically the same tool). Saved my back for sure

      • @IMALlamaOPEnglish
        2•7 months ago

        You just sent me down a rabbit hole - not that I’m complaining. I wound up with a small handheld sickle. It should be pretty fast and I’ll have more control. I have quite a few tree seedlings in my beds that I’m letting go for another season before transplanting. Thankfully, I’m relatively young and my body doesn’t mind being bent over or being on my knees.

        • @ThrowawaySobriquetEnglish
          2•7 months ago

          Holes are fun! What kind of gardener doesn’t like holes?!

          I’ve been thinking about a hand sickle myself. Previous owners put in some Palmyra grasses that I like as little bookends on my frontage, but the weedeater always struggles with it