A Yard Full of Weeds

Question

I live in an apartment building that has a large backyard area, with 4 feet high weeds everywhere. The grass is suppose to be growing. I’d like to get rid of all the weeds and plant a ground cover that would survive people walking on it. There is a 6 car parking lot to south of the “yard” area. I planted about 20 flowering plants and herbs in a 2 feet W x 25 feet L strip alongside a long wooden fence at west end of “yard” (with landlords permission), but no one, including landlord, will help me with any of the labor

It’s way too much for just one person to do alone. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I could clear out all (or most) of the weeds, by myself? What tools will I need to do so, and what can I plant that will cover the soil and perhaps help keep weeds out? I poured sidewalk salt and gallons of white vinegar everywhere out there in July, but that did nothing to kill the weeds. I’m probably just trying to do the impossible. Any info will be helpful. Thank you.

Answer 1

If you want to start from scratch, this will certainly give you the edge. You have several options that you can choose as well, including solarization, which will kill many weeds - after which you can replant the bed and use landscaping fabric and mulch to keep them from returning. These articles will help you with whatever method you use: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/homemade-pet-friendly-weed-killer.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/projects/how-to-solarize-garden-beds-to-eliminate-garden-pests-in-the-soil.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/starting/how-to-build-a-flower-bed-starting-a-flower-bed-from-scratch.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/urban/raised-beds-for-urban-settings-no-digging-required.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/lasagna-gardening.htm