Weed Control

[TrailRat]

I was reading a book I uncovered in the library dated 1976. It stated that the easiest way to deal with weeds was to cut them down to ground level, turn them over the soil to expose the roots then using a parrafin blow torch (I'm sure there are more modern tools) incinerate the roots, then turn the remains back in to the soil. The title of this book was simply called Allotment, with no author stated. What is the general consensus on this kind of weed control.

TrailRat

[TrailRat]

[allotment_chick]

Gosh - scorched earth policy - sounds like hard (and slightly scary)work  to me!  This may be influenced by the fact that I'm not good with things mechanical/technical.... ???

I prefer woven polypropylene weed control fabric, myself ...or cardboard from BIG computer boxes
AC  ;)

[gilgamesh]

I've used a hot air stripper on the path before now, after using a non-persistent weedkiller. It burned off the dead dry stuff, and seemed to convince the roots it was time to turn up their toes, but I still think you can't beat turning the soil over to put the weeds a full spit down to take out the annuals, then digging up the perennials when or if they return to the surface.