Don’T Let These Thugs Bully You

Whoever said “a weed is simply a plant out of place” never had to deal with noxious weeds. These hardy specimens have root systems that can travel to the next county and back, many times developing young plants all along the way.

These thugs go by such names as Canada thistle, spotted knapweed, rush skeletonweed, kochia, common bugloss, leafy spurge and toadflax. They are not native to our area, as they all were introduced (some inadvertently) by humans.

Because of their aggressive growth, coupled with few, if any, natural enemies, noxious weeds have become a force to be reckoned with. Those that I’ve named, along with a couple dozen more, may affect property values, the health of humans, livestock and wildlife, and contaminate crops. Because of their competitive nature and the fact that they are difficult to control, noxious weeds can even out-compete natural vegetation.

It’s been mandated that noxious weeds must be kept from going to seed. Private landowners and city, county, state and federal agencies are notified of noxious weeds found on their property by one of eight inspectors employed by the Spokane County Noxious Weed Control Board. The weed board will give advice for the control of these weeds, but if no attempt for control is made, the board will take action. The worst scenario may be that the board will put a lien on the property to collect the charges for the controls.

Landowners are urged to contact the weed board to report locations where noxious weeds may be growing.

If you have any of these intruders growing on your property, the best control is to destroy the plants this time of year, while they’re young and growing. Herbicides, such as 2-4-D, Weedmaster, and Roundup, are the best tools for a good offense and defense.

Always, always read the label before applying these herbicides. If you prefer to use natural concoctions or the good, old pulling-by-hand method, keep in mind, these are tough guys. Natural remedies may only wilt the plants and pulling may stimulate more growth. Keep a vigilant eye.

For more information, including a colorful brochure on noxious weeds, simply call the Noxious Weed Control Board at (509) 477-5777. It’s the responsibility of all of us to help rid these weeds from our area. And as an added note: Noxious weeds are considered a material defect to property and must be disclosed at the time of sale.

Growing things

If you’re looking for a show-stopping annual, then look for gerbera daisies. These South African natives have huge flowers (up to 7 inches across) in pastel to deeply hued colors.

They are easy to grow, having only one major requirement: They must have well-drained soil. If the soil dries too slowly or if the plant is set too deep in the pot, crown rot occurs. To prevent this, make sure the crown is slightly above the soil line. Give the daisy full sun. Water it only when the soil feels dry or the plant shows a slight wilt.

Gerberas also are prone to spider mites. If you notice fine webbing or a grayish coloration developing on the leaves, spray with a soapy solution of baby shampoo - 2 tablespoons per gallon of water.

What’s new

This year may be a doosie for yellowjackets. Set out traps now to catch the queens. The queens have built their nests, laid their eggs and are now foraging for their young. Once their offspring can fend for themselves, she’ll retire to the nest to be pampered and produce young.

Traps can be purchased at most local garden centers.

Keep in mind though, wasps are beneficial insects. If you don’t mind a few yellowjackets hovering about, don’t trap.

Mark your calendar

If you haven’t fertilized your lawn this spring, now is the time to do it. The warm soil will quickly activate the nitrogen. Always use a complete fertilizer high on the first number (nitrogen) and lower on the other two numbers. A 3-1-2 ratio or a 3-1-3 ratio is excellent.

You are invited to an educational workshop sponsored on Growing Medicinal Herbs, sponsored by the Friends of Trees and Homestead Horticulture. The workshop will be May 31 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Homestead Horticulture, 38715 N. Madison Road in Elk.

Michael Pilarski and Doris Delatte will speak on such topics as choosing species, native and non-native; sources for seeds and plants; soil preparation and planting; and harvesting and processing.

The cost of the workshop is $40. Please call Doris Delatte, (509) 292-8188 for more information. Elk is only 30 minutes from Spokane and well worth the drive.