skip to main content

New Jersey Gardening

wood sorrel in my beds!

17 years ago

Help. I don't know what to do! I've got so much of this, it's like groundcover in my perennial beds. I started to see wood sorrel for the first time in the spring. I didn't get around to weeding until weeks later, almost summer time. WHen I was pulling the suckers out, seeds were flying everywhere. Now, I've got so much it's just impossible to do by hand.

Some of my beds have thin bark/hardwood mulch, others have landscaping fabric and maybe 2 to 3 inches of mulch over it. How can I get rid of this stuff and prevent it from coming back.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

Loretta NJ Z6
17 years ago
It ain't gonna happen! That is one plant that even seems to grow in the winter. Actually, if you let the Creeping Charlie, violets, Dayflowers and Lady Thumbs take over instead, you might get less wood sorrel. LOL!
However, I do find it is one plant easy to pull out with a metal rake or other standing weeding device. Keep at it and try to get it before it flowers. Maybe a germination suppressant like Preen if you aren't looking for any self sown plants. Keep applying new mulch. Use low groundcovers like sedums to compete with it - you will still get some growing inside the plant.
I think I've lessened the amount of wood sorrel I have in my yard a bit over the years but I know I will never get rid of it. It is always ready to increase in numbers.

I actually like the look of wood sorrel so when a volunteer plant appeared under an indoor tropical plant once, I let it grow groundcover-like. It actually looked cute until it started dispersing little black seeds all over the drapes and walls. Once I decided to start pulling it out, I couldn't get rid of it and we are talking about just an area of one indoor pot. I am guessing it resprouts from roots left behind. If your problem is that bad, you might try digging up your plants and see if that suppresses the regrowth at all.
njtea
17 years ago
Something in wood sorrel's (oxalis) favor is that it is tasty and full of Vitamin C.
Related Discussions
Invasive Oxalis? Or, is all Wood Sorrel evil?
Q
Comments (4)
I am looking for perennials (for zone 7a) to plant in full sun. I thought Oxalis adenophylla would be perfect for a ground cover for my area... is this the case?
...See More
HAVE: have violet wood sorrel
Q
Comments (1)
i am interested, i havel several herbs i could swap, check out my list and see if anything strikes your fancy.
...See More
2 questions (sorrell & milky weeds)
Q
Comments (7)
WD, I don't have the same species of Rumex as you do, but if your adult weeds have a deep tap root like the ones in my garden, simple pulling probably won't suffice, (unless you continue to pull as soon as you see any green; the roots will eventually be depleted of nutrients). A better strategy might be to pull initially and then hit the new growth with Round-up before it can contribute to additional root storage. The milky substance in plants is often toxic or irritating to some degree, e.g. Euphorbias, Asclepias and various plants in the family Apocynaceae. Some insects are immune to this "latex" and can actually attain some of the toxic properties to protect themselves against predators. Be sure to wash your hands if you get any of this material on yourself and be careful not to touch your eyes, mouth, etc. Mike
...See More
C/Post My porcelain wood look bed/ bath floor is down yeah! (pic)
Q
Comments (9)
Fun2B3Here, I canÃ¢ÂÂt tell you how happy I will be Not to be a floor slave in this area of the house. I have a big Rottweiler and a Maltese so donÃ¢ÂÂt need any more labor like my lighter tile gives me in living areasÃ¢ÂÂ¦even though I have a big floor steamer. Bbstx and Holly-Kay, thank you!!! Kswl, I hold your complement very highly, thank you! Seagrass, for porcelain that is a good price but you can get ceramic cheaper. I do hope you donÃ¢ÂÂt think me rude for bringing up price but sometimes I think it good to show things for those of us on a tighter budget who seek to achieve a nicer look. However, so glad you like it! I have been looking at cement floors since just after purchase. It had stinky stained beige carpet that was gross ( and immediately ripped out) and a hideously remodeled moldy bathroom. On another note, now I canÃ¢ÂÂt wait for the baseboards!
...See More
tdog_2007
17 years ago
is it possible to get rid of them and what would be the likely way to go about doing it.

email me: puddle54t@yahoo.com
Loretta NJ Z6
17 years ago
Why such a secret? Why don't you just post it?

Related Stories

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Raised Beds Lift Any Garden

By Danyelle Mathews

From good old-fashioned wood garden boxes to modern metal troughs, raised beds can make any landscape space look great

LOFTS My Houzz: Ronnie Wood’s Old Art Studio Gets a Makeover

By Natalie Wain

Check out this contemporary update of a former factory flat that survived World War II bombs and use by a member of The Rolling Stones

BEDROOMS Perk Up Your Bedding’s Personality

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

Nix that whole ‘bed in a bag’ thing in favor of artfully arranged separates that speak to the imagination

SALVAGE Salvage Style: Reinvent Shipping Pallets

By Natalie Myers

Beds, rolling tables, shoe racks and more — ingenuity and elbow grease give discarded wood new life

WOOD Bring Reclaimed Wood to the Landscape

By Falon Mihalic

Learn how to salvage old wood and give it a new life in the garden

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING 8 Rot-Resistant Woods for Your Outdoor Projects

By Falon Mihalic

No need for chemical treatments on your deck or pergola. These woods stand up to weather, insects and time beautifully on their own

HOUZZ TV Houzz TV: Cool Reclaimed Wood Projects Fill a Craftsman’s Home

By Mitchell Parker

Using barn wood, beadboard and beams, this homeowner has crafted furnishings and features for his family’s Chicago home

DIY PROJECTS Neat Little Project: Make a Sturdy Wood Serving Tray

New to woodworking? This DIY wood tray project will get you closer to being an old hand

DECORATING GUIDES Warm Up to Wood for an Eye-Catching Wall

By Charmean Neithart Interiors

Give an accent wall appealing warmth and depth with wood, whether you go down-home rustic or upscale chic

MATERIALS Raw Appeal: 9 Wonderful Ways With Natural Wood

By Katie Treggiden

Go with the grain and use minimally finished wood for gorgeous accent walls, artwork and more

Sponsored

A.I.S. Renovations Ltd.

15 Reviews

Custom Craftsmanship & Construction Solutions in Franklin County

More Discussions

voice your support for a NJ Invasive plant ban?

0

Bhatia nursery information

0