Cool Weather Weeds

They’re back. Just when you thought it was safe to be back in the garden… By this time of year, you may not remember all the weeds you’ve dealt with this year. But there are a group of weeds that grow throughout the cooler seasons, grow rapidly with warmer weather in spring, and "bolt" into flower. By that time they are near the end of their life cycle and any efforts at control should be limited to restricting their dispersal of seed. That’s basically hand work and only recommended for the strong of back.

But I want to point out that they are present now. The combination of cooling temperatures and a little rain has resulted in seed germination. Henbit, chickweed, annual bluegrass,… They are all present. Hey, with the cooling temperatures, I’ve been back outside too. And I noticed.

They are most prolific in areas where nothing else is growing – bare soil, thin spots in the lawn. Where the mulch is thin, they have poked through that.

At any rate, however you deal with them, now will be easier than next spring. They are small now. It’s nice if you can minimize soil disturbance as you deal with them. Soil disturbance exposes more seeds in the soil to light resulting in more germination. If you’re pulling or hoeing, it may be helpful to follow with an application of mulch. A thick application of mulch will subdue those that are still small. Some of them are big enough now to grow through mulch, so that may not be the total answer. If you don’t object to herbicides, most of these weeds are very responsive while they are young and tender. Let’em have it.

At any rate, I just wanted to make sure you got this message now. Then if you want to know how to deal with them next spring, I can say, "I told you so."

Al Cooke
Extension Agent
Chatham County Center