NJBob said:I will not use round-up by my dog , so I use 1 gallon vinegar - 1 cup epson salt with a good squirt of dish soap. Horticultural vinegar is stronger if you can get it. Is it as good as the brands like round up - not really but it does work on a lot of weeds. Usually brush killers and ivy killers are stronger and might do the job for you.
For most of my weed problems I use pickling vinegar. (IE: in the crevices of my walkways and driveway) Most weeds I just spend a few hours pulling after a good rain. For larger weed problems I till and bury, The dish soap would not work well for me because I am situated between a few major waterways and do not want to cause algae problems. (if that formula would work for the dreaded Knot Weed, the UK would have been all over it! 
) I am particularly sensitive about using Round Up and very carefully, do just the knot weed using a small paint brush. Using it gives me the creeps so I try hard to not put a drop on the ground. If my problem persists next season, I will do the tarp thing as it does seem to be effective and non-toxic.
The epsom salts sounded interesting! SO, I looked it up: "Completely one-of-a-kind with a chemical structure unlike any other, Epsom salt (or Magnesium Sulfate) is one of the most economic and versatile salt-like substances in the world. Throughout time, Epsom salt has been known as a wonderful garden supplement, helping to create lush grass, full roses, and healthy, vibrant greenery. It has long been considered a planter’s “secret” ingredient to a lovely, lush garden, and is such a simple, affordable way to have a dramatic impact. Just as gourmet salt works with the ingredients in food to enhance and bring a meal to its full potential, Epsom salt enhances fertilizer and soil’s capabilities to bring a deeper level of vitality to your garden’s composition. Ultra Epsom Salt is the highest quality Epsom salt available, and is widely celebrated for its powerful benefits on natural life, ranging from household plants to shrubs, lawns and even trees." 
Definitely going to use some of that!!
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