My DH just called and told me he borrowed a big tiller and suggested that we "get that south bed ready to put flowers in." He's talking tomorrow! DH is never motivated for that kind of thing. I was stunned. The big issue is that where he's talking about is incredibly weedy. What do I do? Try to dig them all up tonight? Not sure that's possible. I'm accustomed to more planning and time being involved in preparing a bed for planting. Any suggestions are appreciated.
Weedy bed prep
McGlory ~ Sounds like RU may have been a good thing for your DH! I've had plenty of experience with weedy patches and, if the tiller is big enough, just till it all under - weeds and all. After planting your flowers, you can put on some Preen and then mulch. Make sure you water the Preen in. Don't use Preen if you're planting flowers from seeds, as it will prevent them from growing! I learned the hard way ;~) Judy
Hi Judy! You missed a good one! Thanks for the help. The last thing I expected was DH to go at it full force. Hope I can keep up.
Okay, one more question now that I've read a little about Preen.... Will it have a negative effect on ornamental grasses? If so, I may need to change my mind about a couple of things.
Yes, I sure hated that I had to miss, but am looking forward to next year already and hope it works out! Have kept up with the threads and it sounds like you all had a great time! That's so funny....DH must have caught the RU gardening bug. Better utilize him before he gets over it!
I'm no expert concerning ornamental grasses and Preen, but I did use it around mine and hopefully everything will be okay. The grass was already getting new growth when I applied it. I never thought about any adverse effects before applying.
You can also try WOW or corn glutten meal to prevent the seeds that germinate from growing.
(Instead of preen). After it breaks down, its a nitrogen source too. Double duty and organic too.
If you've got perennial weeds, the tiller will grind up the roots and distribute in the soil. You'll
probably need to go out there with a dandelion fork for a month or two to get the little baby nasties
coming up & get 'em out before they gain strength.
Tam
McGlory ~ How did your tilling go?
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