Growing Green

By Robin Trott, Extension Educator

Weeds are a persistent problem for Minnesota gardeners, spreading through wind, birds, compost, shoes, potting mix and neighboring areas. Vining and creeping weeds like Creeping Charlie and Canada thistle can invade gardens by growing small shoots or underground stems that travel underground before emerging.

Harm from weeds

• Competition: Weeds reduce crop yields

• Resources: They deprive garden plants of water, nutrients, and sunlight.

• Pests and diseases: Weeds harbor pests and impede airflow, fostering plant diseases.

Strategies and tactics:

• Regular weeding: Inspect your garden frequently for new weed seedlings or invaders.

• Prevent seeding: Remove weeds before they flower and set seeds.

• Tools: Use hoes! Hand hoes, Asian -style hoes, tall solid-blade hoes, or stirrup hoes.

• Scraping: Lightly scrape around plants and between rows to eliminate small weed seedlings.

• Avoid deep chopping: Do not damage plant roots by chopping or scraping too deeply.

• Edge monitoring: Watch for underground roots and stems, as most edging materials don’t extend deep enough.

• Mulching: Use mulch to suppress weeds; plastic mulch can also warm the soil to prevent weed growth. Check holes in mulch for weed seedlings.

Herbicide use

• Caution: Most herbicides are not recommended for vegetable gardens.

• Compliance: Follow all label instructions when applying pesticides. (The label is the law.)

Know your enemy

Identifying problem weeds early can help you prevent them from taking over your garden. Visit https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/weed/ with help identifying weeds or call your local extension office. In Douglas County, call 320-762-3890.

Until next time, happy gardening!

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“Plant and your spouse plants with you; weed and you weed alone.” ~Jean Jacques Rousseau