Chickweed control

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cedarswing Cedar Rapids, IA(Zone 5a) May 15, 2010

Ok, so I've identified my weed nightmare. Chickweed has invaded the perennials and hostas. I've read several articles on how to control this stuff, most of them contain technical names of chemicals along with the tried and true "pull it out" advise. Since I'm not a chemical expert... I assume RoundUp and Preen would be a good combo? Anyone have experience with this method working?

Thanks!
CS

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plantfreak78 Rolesville, NC(Zone 7b) May 15, 2010

The problem with treating chickweed at this time of year is that it's already mature enough to produce seeds. So when you spray them with Roundup they (essentially) realize they're going to die and manage to ripen their seeds a bit faster and release them just before they die which raises the seed count in your soil. It's best if you can pull up as many plants as possible in order to get rid of as many seeds as possible. Then in fall (when chickweed begins to sprout) the Preen does a pretty good job of killing the seedlings as they germinate.

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flowAjen central, NJ(Zone 6b) May 15, 2010

I called my local extension office and mentioned my backyard problem child, chickweed....she kinda laughed and said "good luck with that, grab the kiddies and start yanking"

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cyclops101 Wakefield, RI May 16, 2010

Spraying Roundup around your perennials will cause considerable damage to the non weed species. Roundup will kill everything it comes in contact with and I cannot see how you would be able to avoid drift of the product from contacting your hostas and other perennials no matter how careful you are. My suggestion would be to hand pull the weeds then if you are so inclined use preen. Another option would be to put down a good heavy layer of mulch after weeding. Sometimes there is just no easy way out. Turn on your I pod or Walkman and start pulling. Chick weed pulls rather easily.

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