Concerned About Unwanted Plants? Discover 8 Common Species of Weeds - And, Strategies to Eradicate Them
In the world of gardening, weeds are an unwelcome sight. However, with the right approach, these pesky invaders can be managed effectively. Here's a guide to controlling some common garden weeds, including Common Purslane, Crabgrass, Canada Thistle, Bindweed, Prostrate Spurge, Yellow Salsify, Lawn Burweed, and Pokeweed.
Common Purslane Difficult to control due to its ability to regrow from root fragments, Common Purslane requires a combination of approaches. Digging out entire plants, using mulch and weed barrier fabrics to prevent establishment, and applying pre-emergent or selective herbicides as directed are effective methods.
Crabgrass Crabgrass, an annual warm season grass, tends to establish in barren areas of lawn during the hot summer months. Maintaining a healthy, dense lawn with proper mowing, reseeding bare spots, and installing mulch can deter crabgrass establishment. Pre-emergent herbicides before germination or post-emergent herbicides during growth phases are effective chemical controls.
Canada Thistle, Bindweed, and similar perennial weeds These often require persistent mechanical removal (digging out roots), flame weeding, or targeted herbicide application because they regrow from root or rhizome fragments. An herbicide might be needed to eradicate Canada Thistle, and even then, multiple applications may be necessary.
Prostrate Spurge, Yellow Salsify, Lawn Burweed, and Pokeweed Control of these weeds involves hand-pulling or digging out young plants, use of thick mulch layers to prevent seedling growth, and spot application of non-toxic or selective herbicides. Vinegar (acetic acid) sprays can desiccate weeds but must be applied carefully to avoid damaging desirable plants.
Non-toxic options Mulching, manual removal, flame weeding with propane torches, boiling water applications, occultation (covering weeds with black tarps to starve them of light), and spot treatments with household vinegar or salt are environmentally friendly ways to suppress or kill weeds without herbicides.
Chemical controls Pre-emergent herbicides prevent seed germination, and selective post-emergent herbicides target specific weeds without harming lawns. Products like RoundUp for Lawns, formulated to kill weeds but not turfgrass, can be used following label instructions, especially for stubborn weeds.
Overall, an integrated weed management approach involving early detection, physical removal, use of mulch and barriers to prevent seedling establishment, selective herbicides, and non-toxic treatments like flame or boiling water tends to be the most effective for controlling these common garden weeds.
Remember, the battle against weeds is a continuous one, but with the right tools and strategies, you can keep your garden looking beautiful and weed-free.
[References] [1] Gardening Know How. (n.d.). How to Control Weeds in Your Garden. Retrieved from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/weeds/controlling-weeds-in-your-garden.htm [2] University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. (n.d.). Weed Management in Home Gardens. Retrieved from https://ucanr.edu/sites/UCMGardenWeb/files/306041.pdf [3] Ohio State University Extension. (n.d.). Weed Management in Home Gardens. Retrieved from https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-5002 [4] Scotts. (n.d.). RoundUp for Lawns. Retrieved from https://www.scotts.com/product/roundup-for-lawns-weed-killer-concentrate-plus-crabgrass-preventer/018000003000
In the home-and-garden lifestyle, weeds like Common Purslane, Crabgrass, Canada Thistle, and Pokeweed can be a challenge, but an integrated approach that combines physical removal, mulching, selective herbicides, and non-toxic treatments like flame or boiling water can effectively control them. To deter crabgrass establishment, maintaining a healthy, dense lawn with regular mowing, reseeding bare spots, and using mulch is beneficial.
