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Keeping weeds out while getting flowers to grow

Posted by jencox IL (My Page) on
Wed, Apr 21, 10 at 12:31

I'm wanting a mixture of plants on the side of my house. I started a couple of years ago but they haven't taken over yet...the problem is how to keep the weeds out while my flowers get established? Do I mulch? Use preen? grass killer??

Jennifer


Follow-Up Postings:

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RE: Keeping weeds out while getting flowers to grow

Weeding - for many, one of the more odious gardening chores. I personally don't mind weeding; find it therapeutic. How big a space are you dealing with? Biting the bullet, hand weeding it out and covering with a thick layer of mulch might be your best bet - taking care not to smother your desireable plants in the process.

Preen stops new weeds from germinating/sprouting; it will not kill existing weeds. So you have to weed first in one fashion or another every season before using Preen. Grass killers are pretty much equal opportunity killers - can't distinguish between a dandylion and a daylily.


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RE: Keeping weeds out while getting flowers to grow

Mulch and hand weed.


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RE: Keeping weeds out while getting flowers to grow

  • Posted by bboy USDA 8 Sunset 5 WA (My Page) on
    Wed, Apr 21, 10 at 14:25

Displays of annuals, bulbs and perennials require more elbow grease than established tree and shrub groupings. If interest or ability are limited, don't plant a lot of flowers. Maybe you should have some container gardens featuring flowers, near doorways and limit the yard to lawn and some shrubs.


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RE: Keeping weeds out while getting flowers to grow

  • Posted by bahia SF Bay Area (My Page) on
    Wed, Apr 21, 10 at 14:35

No quick solutions, unfortunately. Weeding before they go to seed, and then heavy mulch in bare areas is the best long term remedy. When planting cleared new beds, Preen can work, but I'd also follow up with a 3 to 4 inch minimum layer of mulch. Keep on top of weeds before they set seed, and half the battle is won.


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