Gardening with Gary

Gardening Advice from an Expert

Weeds

Q. I have 'vine weed'* growing around my pond and it is impossible to keep it pulled up out of the ground. It is overtaking everything. What can I do to get rid of this nasty vine?

* Looks like miniature white morning glory. Grows about two feet a night when you are not looking! LOL.

A. Well, this is a hard one to call! You do not want to put a chemical on it if there are other plants growing right next door that you want. But, you may consider a weed killer anyway to cut it down in population.

The best way to eradicate it and leave everything as is, is to pull it all out by the roots as deeply as you can go. I know it is work and can seem like a losing battle, but what else can be done? The plants will keep growing as long as there is a structure underground. Keep at it daily, and eventually they will be beat back. At least, let's hope so!

Reader's Hint:

I would like to share with you the way I got rid of some of the worst weeds...My son is a diabetic, and is on insulin. I had him save me some of his used needles, I take a small jar and put Roundup in it. I go to the yard and find the culprit. I cut the big part of the weed down and then inject a full syringe of the Roundup right in the main low body of the plant. Well, its life is over.

I had a yard full of gourds, and those big thistles, and anything that I didn't want. Now, I have elm trees coming all over my yard. I will hit them with the Roundup treatment. This is easy and gets right to the pest, without me getting it on one of my special plants.

A. That is a very unique treatment. Just be careful with those needles!

Garden Weed Control:

Those noxious garden weeds can detract from the look of a garden, but are much worse than that. They compete with all your plants for water, light, and food. They are quite apt to harbor insects and diseases. Here are some simple weed-control tips which may prove interesting and effective:

Keep areas around your garden free of weeds. Stop the life cycle of all weeds by pulling them up before their flowers go to seed. If they seed, you have to go through their cycle once again before ridding them from your beds. Keep one step ahead of the weeds or you will never control them. Be sure to toss all weeds into a garbage can away from your gardens and remove promptly.

Do not add them to your compost pile. Seeds will blow by on their own and you will have to destroy them by turning the pile up and over weekly. Any vegetables you add should be without seeds, too. Don't forget to add other kitchen wastes as egg shells, coffee grounds and produce scraps.