Careful with weedy container plants
Now, I usually think of container plants as a quick way to add color and a new pop of variety to a garden. Unfortunately, it seems like they may also be adding weeds, according to a recent study done by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service. After buying and examining more than two dozen container plants, they found 54 (!) weeds or invasive plants that had been transplanted with the containers.
Among the most common stowaways, according to the Weed Science Society of America: sticky chickweed (it's common version is pictured above); hairy bittercress; common groundsel; La Plata sandspurry; and birch.
Also, according to the study, you should stay away from soil from balled or burlap-covered trees and shrubs, as well as soil-based mixes and mineral soil. Instead, less weed seeds were found in vegetable, herb, and perennial containers, as well as sterile, soilless potting mixes like sphagnum peat moss. And, of course, there was a noticeable difference in plants bought from growers and vendors that practiced weed control.
Posted by Natalie Rodriguez | Categories: News, Yard & Garden | Permalink
(0) Comments