Will salt hurt a flower bed

[tinnerjohn]

My wife just asked a question I can't answer. She wanted to know if she salted the flower bed like we salt the asparagus bed if it would kill the bulbs that haven't come up yet? Can anyone tell me? Thanks, John

[Don McCombs]

From the Burpee website...

"Native to the seacoasts of Europe and Eastern Asia, asparagus is known for its tolerance of salt. In fact, some lore has gardeners discouraging weeds by dousing asparagus beds with salt. A mixture of 1 to 2 pounds of salt (NaCI) dissolved in a gallon of water can be sprayed or sprinkled on the bed, but not on emerging spears or young ferns. This won't entirely eliminate the weeding chore, but it can help. Mulching does a much better job and helps conserve moisture when growing asparagus."

I doubt that your flower bulbs have the salt tolerance that asparagus has. I'd try some other method of weed control.

[SONNY]

It more than likely would kill flowers!---big risk there!

[ajhbike]

we live on a tidal river and the back yard floods a bit every full moon and floods alot during nor'easters. The asparagus love it. The daffodils and tulips are not bothered by it. I would not do it on purpose though.

[tinnerjohn]

Thanks guys. I didn't think it was a good idea but I thought I'd ask. John

[ScottyD'sdad]

There are weed prevention products available. (Preen is one)
Ed

[tinnerjohn]

She is going to use something other than salt, it was just something she thought of and said "I wonder". It will be a while until we do anything. It started raining sometime last night and has been drizzling on and off. Yesterday I had my 15 year old Grandson disc the garden ,figured I could get some parsnips and peas planted this afternoon-WRONG. I love Ohio but the weather stinks. My Grandson has some kind of farming simulator game on his computer. He said he set the location for OH. Said the temp was supposed to be in the 50's-60's, he started tillage, temp dropped at started to snow. I've had that happen in the real world but I had no idea a game could be so realistic! John

[ScottyD'sdad]

Cold and wet here, too. I get enough realism, without needing a computer game!

Ed