Yes, you heard me right. If you have a garden, or a sidewalk, or any other place weeds grow, you need a backpack flame weeder. This post will detail what a flame weeder is, how it works, and why you need one.
What is a backpack flame weeder?
Put simply, a flame weeder is any device that uses fire to kill weeds. Pictured below is the Red Dragon brand backpack flame weeder, which I purchased from Johnny’s Selected Seeds. This ingenious device is basically a propane tank strapped to your back, plus a hose which allows you to direct fire at unwanted plants. It will set you back about $300 plus the cost of propane (not included).
How does a flame weeder work?
Operating a flame weeder is relatively easy. Twist the knob on the propane tank to turn it on prior to putting on the backpack. Then use the included spark lighter to ignite a flame at the end of the hose. An additional knob on the metal hose can control the flow of propane, and thus the size of the flame. Point the end at any unwanted weeds until the leaves wilt.
There is no need to start the weeds on fire. In fact, this is discouraged. According to the manual, setting a weed on fire will not kill its roots, and it will send out new shoots or leaves. However, wilted leaves will not trigger the plant to send out new leaves. Wilted leaves apparently do not heal and cannot photosynthesize, thus killing the plant.
Why you need a backpack flame weeder
If you garden or own property, you probably have weeds. Perhaps they are in your flower bed; perhaps they are poking through the cracks in your sidewalk. Maybe you have very pesky weeds such as the Buffalo Bur (below), which not only has annoying spikes, but is also poisonous to children and pets. Here is a list of the best reasons to purchase or rent a flame weeder!
- It’s the MOST FUN way to weed that I’ve ever found. Having a bad day? Singe some weeds. Need effective catharsis? Wilt those Buffalo Burs!
- Effective- kills weeds quickly and can go anywhere in the garden or yard for spot weeding
- Does not require bending, making it a good choice for those with back problems. The tank weighs less than 30 pounds and is comfortably carried in the backpack. If you’re a parent used to wrangling a disagreeable toddler, you will find the weight to be comparable… except this backpack does not scream and flail and demand to be put down.
- No being poked by thorns (like with hand weeding), but you can still be selective about which plants to kill
- A great distraction from life’s frustrations (did I mention that it’s impossible to be unhappy while using a flame weeder?)*
Potential drawbacks
Despite the above benefits, there are a few potential drawbacks to a flame weeder, detailed below:
- Some folks may find the weeder a bit scary to light. The spark igniter requires one’s hands to be quite close to the ignition site.
- Not for child labor. Sorry parents; this device is not a safe way for your young children to weed your garden.
- Not for mass weeding. If your garden has more weeds than vegetable or flower plants, consider a tiller. A flame weeder is best for spot weeding, not large swaths of land. (Of note, if your garden is very dry, perhaps you could start the whole thing on fire with this weeder. I do not recommend this.)
- Possibly unsafe in dry conditions (please have a water source handy!)
- Not for giant weeds. Although you technically CAN wilt a large plant with this weeder by directing the heat at each leaf, it’s best to use early, when weeds first emerge.
- Requires fuel that must be re-filled once used. My local Ace Hardware store fills propane tanks fairly affordably, so this not a huge downside.
Overall, I believe that any gardener or property owner could benefit from a backpack flame weeder. I’ve never had more fun weeding… or drawing shapes in my lawn. Have you tried a flame weeder? If so, tell us your experience in the comments below!
Need recipe inspiration for your garden goodies? Try this recipe for garden fresh enchiladas!
Rather skip the weeding, but love fresh vegetables? You can find us at the Orange City, IA farmer’s market on Saturdays during the summer. We also sell extra produce at our road market stand in Alton (produce available by request during the winter season). Feel free to reach out if you’re looking for anything in particular! Email us at [email protected].
*This claim has not been verified by science.
