Short of "chemical" herbicides, how do I get rid of thistles?

Question

Stinger Nettles, Thistles, Queen Elizabeth Thistles, or whatever you call them they grow tall with purple flowers and SHARP leaves I have them EVERYWHERE!

They are throughout one of my flower beds, along the side of my house and spreading into the front lawn. I'd rather have a lawn free of powerful chemical herbicides but I really need to get rid of these things.

Currently I've been trying to dig up the roots but they keep coming back and there's so many it would take me ages. I dig about 3 inches down and break as many roots as I can find and pull out the body of the plant.

Answer 1

i tried chemical... didn't bother the darn things.. maybe it was because I bought a generic chemical... anyways... try yelling at them.  If it doesn't work, blast them with Acid Rock!  and if that doesnt work.... cry.   last of all, pay the neighbor kids 20 bucks to come pull them.

Answer 2

Boil water in the tea pot or sauce pan. Pour a little boiling water on the center of the plant, or on the stem and root area if it has developed a stalk.

Boiling water turns the plant and root into cooked greens. Kills the roots and entire plant without hurting the surrounding plants or the soil.