From the Ground Up: 5 ways to deal with weeds

Q: It's spring, and the weeds are growing faster than the plants. How do I keep the weeds from taking over?

A: Effective weed control is a continuing effort, with a variety of control methods, depending on the type of weeds, the type of plants, and the time in the growing season. Here are some of the best ways to deal with those pesky weeds:

1. Pull them or dig them. In small areas, some weeds can be controlled by pulling and digging. It's best to do this after a good rain or deep watering, to make the weeds easier to remove.

2. Use weed killers. In many situations, herbicides are the only practical method of weed control. According to Iowa State University horticulturalists, the most effective broadleaf herbicide products contain a mixture of two or three herbicides such as 2, 4-D, MCPP, dicamba, and triclopyr to control a variety of broadleaf weeds. Fall (mid-September through October) is the best time to control perennial broadleaf weeds in the lawn.

3. Smother them with mulch. Mulches control weeds by preventing weed seed germination. You can choose organic mulches, such as ground corncobs, lawn clippings, compost, straw, pine needles, wood chips or sawdust. You can use synthetic mulches, such as landscape mats or black plastic. ISU says black plastic is a poor choice for landscape planting. However, you can use landscape fabric (sometimes called 'weed mat'), which is best put in place before you plant, cutting the fabric and planting in the holes.

It's best to wait until the ground is warm (late May or early June, depending on the year) before you apply mulch.

4. Prevent them. Preventing weeds is the most effective way to deal with them because the weed is stopped before it starts. Two ways to prevent weeds: weed in the fall, so the weeds aren't around to get started in the spring; use a pre-emergent to keep the weeds from sprouting. Early spring is the best time to use a pre-emergent on an existing bed.

5. Plant them or ignore them. Many weeds are native plants and wildflowers, and they can be quite lovely. Consider Queen Anne's lace or milkweed. Many gardeners plant these natives. Other examples of weeds or natives are butterfly bush/butterfly weed and Echinacea.

Finally, remember that a weed is a plant in the wrong place. Sometimes ignoring weeds and letting them grow can mean a new plant friend you didn't know you liked.

•Jean Murray is a Linn County Master Gardener.