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weeds weeds weeds, I have some nasties!

9 years ago

I am a big believer in keeping my flower beds under control with a hula/saddle hoe, and preen. Works well mostly everywhere. However, I have a full sun bed that is off on its own and it is out of control and I am at a loss.

I know for sure it is infested with:

Jimson weed
purslane
ragweed
quackgrass
and more!

Last year, I solarized the whole thing and it looked like I might be winning but winter came and went and now everything has grown back with a vengeance. Roundup works and then doesn't, these weeds are relentless.

I really want to make this bed a butterfly garden for my kids. What can I do here, other than drop a bomb? I am not usually a big chemical person but at this point if you told me to pour straight gasoline and light a match, I'd consider it.

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Comments (3)

Kimmsr
9 years ago
Quack grass is a very invasive grass that spreads by both seed and rhizomes. There is some indication that Quack grass has become immune to the glyphosates. The only method of control I have found effective is to dig out all of the rhizomes and place good barriers between where that grass is and where I don't want it to be. Janet Macunovich, in her book Caring For Perennials, suggests using that plastic carpet runner as a barrier,
Many other plants we call "weeds" seed in quite prolifically and will need constant attention no matter what we do.
Mulches help some, but are not the complete answer some seem to make it appear, since many of those unwanted plants will germinate and grow in the best mulch. Recognize what the unwanted plant looks like quite early in its growth and get rid of it then, but constant attention is necessary to keep these plants under control.
Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
9 years ago
You could smother the whole thing with cardboard under mulch until spring, when the cardboard should be decomposed. Disturb as little as possible to add your plants, patrol for sprouts - if you didn't plant it, pull it. Add new mulch as needed to keep the ground from drying too fast. Control is easy to maintain, once gained. For now, you can sit potted plants on top while waiting for those weeds to die.

A border of bricks, landscape timbers, pavers, whatever you prefer, that you can use weed trimmer against, will help keep any rhizomatous grasses from creeping back in. Mow with the chute blowing away from beds so new seeds are not deposited there.
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I had a vegetable garden overrun with witch grass once. I didn't know what it was at the time and used a rototiller on it. Big mistake. Made it much worse. It got to the point that I gave up on the garden for two years. Then after research, I decided to use a large piece of clear plastic leftover from an ice rink we had n the yard, and covered the entire area that was about 25x25 feet, with the plastic, weighed it down with bricks and left it there for a whole year. It worked great. We were able to reclaim that area and I got rid of about 90% of the witch grass. I don't know anything about bermuda grass, but I'd research ways of getting rid of that. I can't see using a chemical to get rid of it, in a 50x60ft area where you are going to grow food. If you can't do that, I would think thick cardboard with heavy mulch would be your next best bet. And it will improve the soil and increase your earthworms.
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Comments (36)
I agree with mulching. I worry about extending my garden beds due to the wild violets. We managed to pull the bulk out of the front bed, but it took an entire summer. My in-laws were visiting and bored during the day so would go out and dig down to the roots. They are persistent buggers! I have followed up this year by putting a second layer of thick mulch and taking any foliage off in order to starve the roots. Beside the stray leaf and weeding a lot before the mulch was put down, I have barely needed to weed. Whatever does grow through is weakened by having to push through the mulch. My lawn is almost 100% weeds dispite reseeding every Spring and Fall. I am planning on reseeding the lawn soon for the fall and then placing the feed pellets as an organic preemergent in the Spring. Might help with the garden, too if the lawn stops being one huge weed.... :)
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Comments (19)
I am glad to hear I am not the only one with these little lovelies!! I did go through and weed them all out yesterday and it was very easy and quick. So, I won't complain too much. I am trying a different kind of garden soil on the next bed I am finishing. We'll see if that helps or hinders. I did find a blown-in dandelion sitting in one bed yesterday. We have had a lot of wind, so I expect that is my culprit. Thanks for all the input, I am looking forward to a fun summer of gardening and pulling those little devil weeds! See below, I have added a picture of my new garden - I love it!!! I can't wait to finish it. The curbed in place to the left will be for my corn and pumpkins, we grow lots of pumpkins!! Can someone help me out on this adding a picture thing: I don't think it is working for me:( Can anyone see the picture? Happy Gardening All, g Here is a link that might be useful: My New Garden
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Comments (1)
Those humongous beetle grubs really do help break down organic matter into compost! When I opened one plastic bag of leaves, which I had been saving since spring, I was surprised to find nothing but pure black evenly moist compost. What???? When I emptied the bag I found about about 18 huge rhinoceros beetle grubs in it . Evidently a mama beetle had laid her eggs in the leaves, rain water had leaked in to provide moisture and those guys went to work making wonderful rich compost. The 18 grubs went into my compost pile to finish their life cycle and the compost into the hole where I am transplanting some yellow cestrum ... :-) Isn't nature amazing! Oh, and I had enough leaves to thickly cover the barely emerging weeds, which will be enough to smother them.
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hmbcorbs74
8 years ago
Convert all of your irrigation in that area to subterranean and add 3-4" of mulch. Not only will you save a ton of water and keep your plants healthier, you will be watering below the root zone of most weeds.

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