It looks like this late summer and early fall is setting itself up much the same
as 2009. We’ve had a hot, dry summer, and then along come the rains
of September, bringing drought-relief and joy to both garden and gardener.

The problem with this weather pattern is that it weakens and kills many
native and established turf grasses and sets up a perfect situation for winter
(short-day) weeds to move in.

 

The best and easiest form of control is to use a  pre-emergent herbicide.
You'll kill off the weeds before they even have a chance to start growing.

Germination of most winter weeds begins during the latter part of this

month, and on through October. With that in mind, this week is the

perfect week for weed control. Timing here is critical.

Pre-emergent herbicides are granular and you can apply them  through a

fertilizer spreader. Broadcast the granules over the lawn and lightly water

them in. This will form a blanket over the turf grass, and fall and winter

weeds won’t stand a chance.

Traditionally pre-emergents were known as ‘weed and feeds,’ and
contained a fertilizer as well as a weed-killer. Most manufacturers used

the chemical atrazine,  which is toxic to humans and the environment, and
has been banned in  much of the world, including the European Union. 

 

Lucky for us and Mother Nature, we have a non-toxic, organic alternative

called corn gluten. This is a by-product of corn processing and has been
used over the years as an inexpensive protein source for pet foods.

 

This same protein stops plants from germinating,  killing off the newly
sprouted weeds.  In addition, most corn gluten products sold for weed
control have a 9 to 10 percent nitrogen content. This makes corn gluten

an all-natural ‘weed and feed.’

Apply it at the rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet. With one 40 pound

bag, you can cover an area of  4,000 square feet. (Price per bag: $44)

 

Forgive me for repeating myself, but timing is most important. Once
weeds have sprouted, corn gluten will not work, and post-emergent sprays
will have to be used – which have a far worse impact on our environment.

 

Happy gardening everyone. The rains have brought a good season in the
ground. Just the way I like it!

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