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CONTROLLING WEEDS IN GROUNDCOVERS
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How do I control weeds in groundcovers? Bob from Acworth |
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Weed control can be a problem until the groundcover has spread and filled in the area. Control of persistent, perennial weeds, such as bermudagrass and nutgrass should be achieved before planting. Use a non-selective herbicide, such as Roundup, or cover the area with black plastic during the summer before planting. Mulch applied after planting and replenished as needed to maintain a depth of 2-4 inches will reduce the need to weed by hand. Pre-emergence herbicides can be used on many types of groundcover to aid weed control: read the label carefully before applying. As the groundcover fills in, weeds will become less of a problem because of the shaded soil. Some hand weeding will most likely be needed. A few post-emergence herbicides to control weeds and grasses are labeled for over-the-top application on certain groundcovers. |
ORGANIC VS SYNTHETIC
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I am interested in trying organic gardening and wonder what the major advantages of using organic fertilizer are. I have heard that the nutrition from organic manures is better than that from synthetic fertilizer. Kate J. from Hollywood |
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This is a great question and one that is most often misunderstood. With an increase in environmental awareness, many folks have begun to grow their own vegetables and landscapes organically. Before you get started, you need to know some of the facts.
First of all, nitrogen is nitrogen, whether it comes from a store-bought bag or from composted manure. The major advantage to using organic fertilizers is that many of them, particularly the manures, will build up the soil by adding organic matter as they are used. You get the added benefit of a light, slow-release fertilizer, along with the rich soil building humus. It is sometimes difficult to use enough organic fertilizer to meet the nutritional needs of the plant at first, until levels of nutrients are raised. You may want to consider a modified approach to start with, using a combination of organic and synthetic fertilizers. |
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