Concerned about unwanted greenery? Get acquainted with 8 prevalent kinds of weeds - along with effective strategies to eliminate them.
In the world of gardening, weeds are a persistent challenge for many homeowners and gardeners alike. This article outlines some of the most effective methods for controlling common garden weeds such as Common Purslane, Crabgrass, Canada Thistle, Bindweed, Prostrate Spurge, Yellow Salsify, Lawn Burweed, and Pokeweed.
Crabgrass, an annual warm-season grass, establishes in barren areas of lawns during the hot summer months. To control crabgrass, maintaining a dense, healthy lawn is essential. Regular mowing, reseeding bare spots, applying mulch, and consistent light irrigation help reduce crabgrass establishment. Pre-emergent herbicides applied before seed germination or post-emergent herbicides during growth stages effectively control crabgrass.
Common Purslane, a major weed found in over 50 crops and lawns, is known for its regenerative ability from root fragments and long-lived seeds. Mechanical removal by digging out entire plants or flaming can help, but mulch layers or weed barrier fabrics are more effective at preventing its establishment. Pre-emergent or selective herbicides can also be used following label directions.
Canada Thistle, a noxious weed that spreads through rhizomes or wind-blown seeds, is difficult to control due to its deep taproot. It emerges in mid to late spring, matures to a height of 2-4ft, and then blooms in July to August. Herbicides and pre-bloom mowing are effective methods for controlling Canada Thistle.
Bindweed, a perennial weed with large, lobed leaves and purple berries, is resilient and difficult to control. It can be managed with systemic herbicides applied in the fall to translocate through the plant and kill roots. Hand-pulling or digging is less effective due to its deep, extensive root system.
Prostrate Spurge, a low-growing broadleaf annual weed, forms dense mats of purple to green foliage. It can be controlled through hand-pulling, mowing (for biennials), and using selective herbicides appropriate to the turfgrass in the lawn. Maintaining lawn health can suppress weed establishment as well.
Yellow Salsify, a biennial weed with deep taproot and feathery leaves, grows up to 3ft in height and 2ft across. It produces yellow flowers in the second year, and its seeds are difficult to control due to their small size and light weight. The Garden Guru Hori Hori Knife can be used weekly to weaken emerging Yellow Salsify.
Lawn Burweed, a low-growing annual weed with yellow flowers and small, rounded leaves, produces a lot of seeds and can quickly take over a lawn if left unchecked. It can be controlled through regular mowing, manual removal, or the use of herbicides. Aerating the soil and mowing at a higher level can also reduce the incidence of Lawn Burweed.
Pokeweed, a large perennial, is toxic to both humans and animals. Mechanical removal is tough and often requires digging out roots. Systemic herbicides applied carefully can control pokeweed by targeting the root system.
In summary, integrated weed management combining good cultural practices (mowing, irrigation, mulch), mechanical removal when practical, and targeted herbicide use is most effective for controlling these common garden weeds. Mulching, when done correctly, can help prevent the establishment of many weeds. However, care must be taken not to make mistakes with mulching.
It's essential to remember that many common garden weeds can be poisonous or invasive, so it's crucial to take the necessary steps to control them. By deploying multiple methods of weed control and staying vigilant, you can keep your yard free from unwanted weeds and maintain a beautiful, healthy garden.
Home-and-garden enthusiasts may find gardening a joy, but dealing with common weeds like Crabgrass, Common Purslane, Canada Thistle, Bindweed, Prostrate Spurge, Yellow Salsify, Lawn Burweed, and Pokeweed can be challenging. To manage Crabgrass, maintaining a healthy, dense lawn through regular mowing, reseeding, applying mulch, and light irrigation is crucial, while pre-emergent or post-emergent herbicides can help control it. Homeowners should also be mindful of the regenerative ability of Common Purslane, as mulch layers, weed barrier fabrics, and selective herbicides are more effective at preventing its establishment.
