Have to get weeds (henbit) under control! But won't harm future chickens.

[sheisaeval]

We won't be getting chicks until May but just wanted to see if anyone had any ideas for this.

We have TONS of henbit everywhere in our yard. We pull them but as soon as we turn around a TON more pop up, they're all over the yard literally. What's a good way to get rid of them or at least get them under control?

Maybe when we get the chickens maybe they're eventually eat some of them and maybe help us get under control, but for the time being, what should we do? We're afraid that because it's spreading so much now, by then it might be even more crazy and out of control. We have neighbors next door and are afraid that a lot of our weed seeds are starting to spread into their yard, which is also isn't very good.

Husband hates it and wants to spray, and we might end up just spraying the front yard but if possible I'd like to keep things safe in the backyard, especially since I'll probably be growing edibles and then there's the chickens. Of if there's anything we can use now but it'll be safe by the time May comes around, let me know as well.

Here's the weed
http://www.ppws.vt.edu/scott/weed_id/lamam.htm

We live in the Dallas area, if that matters.

Thanks

 

[Angiebubs]

If the henbit isn't poisonous then the chickens will make quick work of eating the weeds down. Otherwise, I have heard that spraying vinegar on weeds will kill off most of it. Good luck.

 

[centrarchid]

Henbit is edible and will senesce as ground warms to be replaced by even warm season grasses. I would consider its presence a plus as forage for chickens.

 

[chfite]

You can spray vinegar and soap on the weeds. It will kill the leaves by dessication. Repeated application will kill the plant. I use about a teaspoon of dish soap per gallon of vinegar. It works best on the tender leaves.

Your yard will smell like a salad.

Chris