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I spend a lot of time in my garden looking for weeds. They're sneaky little annoyances made all the more troublesome because they sometimes look like other plants. While Florida doesn't have any special monopoly on weeds, our state does have some curious varieties. Plus with the temperate climate we enjoy the weeding chore is year-round.
The word "weed" brings to mind dandelions and crabgrass. But any plant can be considered "invasive" if it shows up in great numbers where it's not wanted. This becomes a real problem when the plant isn't native to Florida. Inadvertently introducing or encouraging invasive species is a serious problem in Florida. Florida's native habitat is coming under increasing stress from development and the growing human population. Of course as the native plants are crowded out local animals, birds and aquatic life that depended on them slowly dwindle. It's all connected. Check out Aquatic Wetland and Invasive Plant Particulars for a list and photos of non-natives to watch for. Lawn Weeds There are certain weeds which show up in turf. One of the more common is the so-called "dollar weed" . Trying to control weeds in a lawn is enough to make you want to tear the whole thing up and plant rice! Fear not, gentle gardener. Floridaturf is a great place to start researching turf weeds and potential solutions. Perennial Weeds I inherited a small patch of Catsclaw mimosa when I bought my property. For the longest time I kept thinking the little plant was a mimosa tree seedling. Finally I noticed how different it looked and how widespread it was. That's when I got aggressive and tried to get it under control. Last summer when I had some tree work done the yard was very disturbed and turned over. Naturally the Catsclaw mimosa went nuts! It's a perfect example of how seeds may lie dormant season after season then burst onto the scene with a vengeance. In Florida we have weeds that have adapted to not only the moderate temperatures but sandy or salty conditions as well. Beggarticks is a ubiquitous weed that thrives all over the state. Controlling Weeds It takes just a little forethought when planting your beds to control weeds without chemicals. Mulch is a gardener's best friend in the war on weeds. Spread it under your shrubs and trees. Cover your sleeping bulbs and tender perennials with it. Mulch serves as a smothering layer for weeds, cutting off their light source. Weeds also enjoy moist surroundings so deny them water whenever possible (xeriscaping, anyone?). And speaking of water remember this: if you decide to use chemical controls for your weed problem pay particular attention to your proximity to open water sources. Landscape runoff is one of the primary causes of water pollution in Florida. Go To Page: 1 2 |
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