Allow me to mention one thing before we get into the “weeds”. It is VERY DRY and it is critically important that we keep watering our landscape plants, especially newly planted trees and shrubs. Regularly watering during dry periods, like we are experiencing now, will help avoid winter damage. Remember, an inch a week is essential.
One of the most daunting garden chores in the garden, landscape plantings and lawn is keeping weeds under control. Some of the weeds we deal with are perennial in nature and survive our winters. Then there are weeds that are annuals but some of these, like Chick Weed, will survive our winters. Right NOW is one of the best times of the year to get a jump on controlling weeds for next year. Yes, I know you want to quit the gardening tasks for the season and just kick back and watch some good football or relax. It’s ok if you want to do that but you will have the same annoying job of trying to get ahead of the weeds next season. Remember, they got ahead of you and the rest is history. It is hard to keep up when it is just too hot to work outside.
So let’s think about how easy it can be to get a jump on the weeds for next year. First, take a look around and see where the dandelions and other broadleaved weeds have already sprouted and are growing. Some of them will be in the lawn and others will be in your landscape beds. We don’t want these guys to flower and go to seed, which a few can do this time of the year. Most of us don’t think much about weeds growing now but they continue to be very efficient at moving food to their root system for storage. They will be ready to really pop and grow early in the spring when everything needs attention. If we apply a broadleaf weed control to our lawns by spot spraying just the weeds vs. applying a spray or a weed and feed application when there are only a few dandelions we will save $ and also protect the environment. We want to be responsible when using chemicals so spot spraying may be the way to go.
When it comes to weed growth in the fall and the food storage process plants have in the fall makes the uptake of weed killers very efficient and the kill is very thorough. When the weeds are in flower beds it is best to use a product like Round-Up that is deactivated when it comes in contact with the soil. Due to the cool weather at this time of the year these contact week killers will work more slowly and may appear to be not working. Be patient and just make your applications according to the label and watch how effective applying weed killers at this time of the year can be.
31 years of growing
Meadow View Growers
www.meadowview.com
