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Written by Jungle Jim
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Tuesday, 19 April 2005 |
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Doesn't every gardener wish they could say that?
What weeds!
On my garden crew calls weeds are a everyday problem. I would like to
share some techniques I use to help my clients get them under control
in their shrub beds.
Generally you can divide the weed control problem into three areas. Perennial weeds, annual weeds, and tree seedlings.
Perennial weeds are those weeds that are growing from shoots, tubers or
existing plants growing in the soil now. Bermuda, Nut Grass, Morning
Glory and Oxali are typical examples. Here it takes identifying the
weed and finding a chemical that will kill it.
Masters Kleen Up is often the answer. It works on Bermuda grass,
Morning glory and most other perennial weeds, Monterey Weed Hoe works
on Nut Grass applied regularly. Apply the correct chemical as often as
you see the weeds growing.
For annual weeds germinating from seed we recommend a two pronged
approach. A thick mulch of Forest Humus together with a pre-emergent
like Amaze or Surflan will dramatically reduce the weed problem. The
Mulch keeps most weeds from germinating by keeping them shaded. The
pre-emergent keeps any new weed seeds from sprouting. The pre-emergent
needs to be reapplied every 4-6 months; the mulch every 2 years.
As far as tree seedlings are concerned basically we still recommend hand weeding. Sorry!
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