I have 3 long 30' rows of asantic and orential that toward the end of the growing season,,I got real busy and didnt get to weed the grasses out..Im totally ashamed of myself..possibally have more than I can handle (Confession of a addict:).:),,so not to repete this ..if it were you would you dig these rows up and replant,,or put in pots.. or if time given, take the chance you would have time to weed..just looking for some differant options. my DH says mow em down!
to did or not to dig?
interesting problem.
That sounds like a whole lot of work ~ digging all those bulbs. I think I'd start with Preen before anything comes up and work on grass bit by bit.
I would leave the bulbs in and weed as soon as the ground permits, but not to disturb the bulbs. How deep did you plant the bulbs? If they are planted at least 6" deep, they will not be disturbed. I would then place a new thick layer of organic soil on top.
Since you did not mention how long the lilies have been there, I'm guessing it is a long time. Besides the weeding, I would definitely thin out the lilies. I have also found that in my zone (6) while I have moved bulbs and plants in the spring, the results are improved doing it in the fall. The results from planting the bulbs in a container have been more than satisfactory. However, we use large containers (at lease 20 gallons) with good drainage.
You could also create a new 30' row if soil is friable and you have some muscles to help you out. Unless they are absolutely choked, I'll bet those blooms are beautiful because in my experience the asiatics bloom first and then the orientals, so you have continuous flowers.
Just because you overdid it a little, don't feel guilty and don't neglect what's there. Feed and treat appropriately. If you decide to containerize, you might want to start trying it out on new bulbs this spring. Digging out established bulbs (especially in volume) is not a job for the faint of heart, and it takes muscle.
On a positive note, you can move those containers around wherever you want. You can also plant larger bulbs really deep and plant early blooming bulbs on a layer above them. It is not like putting a bulb into a one-plant pot. On a negative note, those containers with soil are heavy as sin, and you'd better put them on wheels to move.
thank-you for all the replys..yes there are alot, and theyve been there for 5 plus yrs. for christmas,my DH asked what I wanted ,so I got 4 --30lb tubs..in hopes not to have the grass problem..sooo,,since Ive only used preen once,,,when do I apply it? before they emerge or after? also In inbetween each row I have a space about 3ft wide, that I either have carpet/straw or the mulch paper/straw seperating each row..so I do have the area to dig up and replace..now whether I have the time..
the only time I used preen..I put it on before they came up and I felt I didnt get a good stand...but that also was the row where the moles tend to hang out... also..closer to septic lines.Not wet,,just closer..again thank-you for the replys dee
There is a product that will get rid of the grass only. It's pricey, though. Ornamec Over The Top.
http://www.cooperseeds.com/catalog/ornamec-over-the-top-p2275.html
thats.more what I was hopeing...thank-you again for the replys I love pulling weeds and digging,,just didnt get time! I checked out the price and comapred to what my time is worth, i felt it was reasonable...I feel relieved! thank-you for your replys Dee
It does cover a large area, and would keep for a few years, I'm sure.
Oh, and keep in mind if you have any ornamental grasses in the bed it will kill those, too.
again thank-you,,ive learned the hard way to read instructions :)
