WHO’S CIDE ARE YOU ON? The continuing saga about weed control.
In last week’s diatribe, I vented about the irresponsible overuse of a relatively new herbicide that is still widely available to the general public. Without naming it specifically, I pointed out the ingredients, one of which is glyphosate, better known historically as Roundup. Interestingly, most retailers have, or claim to have, taken products containing glyphosate off their shelves, and yet it can still be found. It likely will occupy shelves until supplies run out or more forceful regulations are passed to eliminate it. Professionals may have access to it long after that.
We still need herbicides, unless you are the type of person who gets a big rush from pulling, digging, or chopping weeds from your yard. I find pulling a few weeds somewhat relaxing, as long as it’s in a part of the garden where the soil is moist and soft. I also like pulling the tenacious ones that germinate on top of the weed fabric. Their tiny taproot snaps right off! There are a few safer alternatives, however.
One possibility that has gained some support is a vinegar and salt solution. Two things to keep in mind; one, it needs to be an industrial strength vinegar to work properly and two, the concentration of salt and vinegar in the soil will make it difficult to grow the things you like and want to keep growing! There are commercially available “organic” alternatives as well, but this author has no direct experience using them to comment on effectiveness. So, what else can we do?
Enter the class of herbicides known as pre-emergents. Simply put, this group of chemicals act in the soil, by a variety of means, to prevent seeds from germinating. Right away, you can probably understand the first precaution: do not use pre-emergents where you plan to grow anything from seed such as, lawn areas, vegetable gardens, or flower beds. The second issue is timing. For most, if not all of the products available to the homeowner, they must be applied a short time before seed germination occurs as they break down and are ineffective after a certain period. When are these times?
I’m glad you are interested enough to ask, and, since you have stayed this far along, I will reward you with more information. Free of charge. Most warm season plants (weeds) germinate in the spring and most cool season plants germinate in the fall. Pre-emergent sprays are then usually applied in the spring before the ground warms up, say February or March, and again in the fall as the monsoon rains are winding down, maybe September. Most also require a certain amount of rain or sprinkling to move them down into the soil where they do their thing. This twice-per-year application for a few years can be quite effective at seriously reducing the quantity of annual weeds in your yard. The perennial weeds will return from the roots, so pre-emergent sprays are ineffective on those.
Is there anything better? Again, I’m glad you asked. There are newer, more powerful, and safer pre-emergent products available which have a broader application period. Available only to the trade. These are professional pesticide applicators, who are licensed and trained to safely use these products. They are involved in training every year to stay up to date on the latest developments and research as well as application methodologies. A professional can explain each chemical and how it works in addition to providing you with safety information.
PLEASE use these professionals whenever possible to avoid accidents and possible overuse of chemicals. These people must answer to the EPA, and that’s important in a world where we are constantly drinking, eating, and breathing hazardous substances. It’s probably best to avoid hiring the neighbor who happens to own a sprayer and knows how to mix 2 Tablespoons per gallon. After all, you probably wouldn’t hire a guy who happens to own an adjustable wrench and knows how to use it to repair your car. Call a professional!
See You Around The Weed Patch!
The Horticoach