Spring is here! And along with it come visions of beautifully preened lawns and gardens as well as the reality of the battle against weeds. No place more than Missouri does weed control concern an avid gardener. The native weeds of Missouri seem to be especially resilient and persistent. Maybe because I’ve never had to battle weeds in other areas of the country I feel my battle is especially tough. However, we are at war and with Spring comes the advancement of the Weed Army.
Of all the common weeds of Missouri the dandelion (taraxacum officinale) seems to be the general of the Weed Army. It presents itself as a kind little plant with a delicate yellow flower, however, it will take over your garden and choke out all the precious plants you have so diligently nurtured. Or it will spot your carefully cultivated lawn with little yellow pox of unruliness.
The dandelions roots are deep and difficult to extinguish permanently. They seem to pop up out of nowhere over night. Some choose to mow them down or pull them out at soil level. An effective plan if you are the instant gratification type of person, who does not mind fighting the same fight week after week, month after month throughout the spring, summer and fall. Given time and patience you can dig the roots out one by one, which may be worth your while if there are few and you get the entire root. If not, you might want to opt for something more permanent, such as a weed killer. As I prefer organic and earth friendly approaches I will allow you to search for chemical based weed killers. They are out there, unfortunately. However I suggest pouring hot vinegar over the weed. Vinegar is high in acid and will kill the plant nicely. One more option is to richly improve the soil in your yard, and garden. Some weeds, like dandelions will just move out as they desire more acidic, less healthy digs, like the soils of southwest Missouri. To be fair to the dandelion it is an edible weed, replace your daily intake of spinach with dandelion greens and you increase your intake of vital vitamins and minerals. For those who compost, the dandelion is helpful in adding nutrients to your soil; however, I’d take the seeds out first!
If the dandelion is the general of the Weed Army, Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) is the foot soldier. I have never been so sick of a green living thing in my life! Although Bermuda grass has provided us with an almost plush front lawn (without it our yard would look like the surface of the moon) it incessantly insists on creeping into my flower beds every year. It grows under AND over the edging, digging its pesky little roots in every four inches. Weed mats and mulching do not work with this annoying usurper it just grows on top! However, it is easier to pull with weed mats in place. Bermuda grass also is resistant to weed killers, chemical or otherwise. If you are serious about getting rid of it permanently, a landscaping professional is probably your best bet. Otherwise just resign yourself to a weekly or biweekly routine of pulling it out of the areas where it is unwanted.
Wild garlic (Allium vineale) is also abundant in our lawn each year. Although I don’t mind the aromatic smell after the lawn is mown. Some Missourians, such as cattle farmers, find it a nuisance. If consumed by cattle in large quantities it can cause the beef produced from those animals to have a “garlicky” taste. For this reason it benefits farmers to control the garlic weeds in their pastures. It is a resistant weed so your method of weed control may have to be similar to that of the dandelion. However, when working with large areas like pastures you will need a large quantity of weed killer, either organic or chemical, to take care of the smelly little guy.
Sources:
www.plantea.com
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7453.html
http://weedid.missouri.edu/
