It’s About Thyme
by CHRIS WINSLOW
It looks like this late summer and early fall is setting itself up much the same as last year. We’ve had a hot, dry summer, and then along came the rains of September, bringing drought-relief and joy to both garden and gardener.
The problem with this weather pattern is that it weakens and kills many native and established turf grasses and sets up a perfect situation for winter (short-day) weeds to move in.
Last winter and spring we had the worst infestation of weeds in living memory.
The best and easiest way to control them is to apply a pre-emergent herbicide. This will kill off the weeds before they even have a chance to start growing.
Germination of most winter weeds begins during the latter part of this month, and on through October. With that in mind, this week is the perfect week for weed control. Timing here is critical.
Pre-emergent herbicides are granular and you can apply them through a fertilizer spreader. Broadcast the granules over the lawn and lightly water them in. This will form a blanket over the turf grass… and fall and winter weeds won’t stand a chance.
Traditionally pre-emergents were known as ‘weed and feeds,’ and contained a fertilizer as well as a weed-killer. Most manufacturers used the chemical atrazine, which is highly toxic to humans and the environment, and has been banned in much of the world, including the European Union.
Lucky for us and Mother Nature, we have a non-toxic, organic alternative called corn gluten. This is a by-product of corn processing and has been used over the years as an inexpensive protein source for pet foods.
This same protein stops plants from germinating, killing off the newly sprouted weeds. In addition, most corn gluten products sold for weed control have a 9 to 10 percent nitrogen content. This makes corn gluten an all-natural ‘weed and feed.’
Apply it at the rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet. (With a 40 pound bag, you can cover 4,000 square feet.)
Forgive me for repeating myself, but timing is most important. Once weeds have sprouted, corn gluten will not work, and post-emergent sprays will have to be used – which have a far worse impact on our environment.
Happy gardening everyone. The rains have brought a good season in the ground. Just the way I like it!
If you have a question, send it to me via email: iathyme@yahoo.com. (Please put ‘Ask Chris Winslow’ in the subject line.) Or mail your letter or postcard to: Ask Chris Winslow. It’s About Thyme: 11726 Manchaca Road, Austin, TX 78748 www.itsaboutthyme.com.
