With all of the rain this week, a million weeds have sprung up in the garden. There were more than enough before the rain, but now its pretty unbelievable. Does anyone know of a good way to get rid of them? Is my only option to hand-pick every single one? I’ve already been pulling the weeds, but every time the dirt gets wet, they spring up all over again. I found out that there is something called pre-emergence weed killer that I didn’t use in the garden, and will definitely do for the spring. Unless there is a better way, it looks like I’m going to start pulling weeds tomorrow.
Some of the bell pepper plants have holes in the leaves! This one looks like it is being eaten by a bug. Looks like I need to spray it with an organic bug killer.
These two look less like a bug and more like a disease. I need to do some research to see what is going on here.
But there is some good news – both of the tomato plants have flowers that have started to open! Woohoo! If anyone has suggestions on the weeds and bugs, please let me know!
elizabethcarroll
Pull the weeds is really the only way to go. I know, it sucks, especially if it’s nut grass! As far as organic bug spray, I’ve read that mint extract/oil diluted in water can help get rid of bugs. And marigold too, I think. . . There are certain plants you can plant that serve as an ‘insectory’ and bring good bugs to your garden (the kind that eat the bag bugs). Ladybugs are always an option too!
Good luck!
S
Check at Lowes, they have an organic garden weed control from PREEN. Don’t know if it works, but I’d give it a try. I thought Bayer brand also had one for gardens, their weed control for shrubs and flowers works really well.
elizabethcarroll
So I thought of you today because I’m putting together and Integrated Pest Management plan for one of the projects I’m working on. It seems like the ‘Concern’ brand of weed prevention products and bug killers will not hurt your pets, you or the stream systems (FYI the Bayer brand can make your dogs sick). There is a lot of really good information here: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/watershed/ipm_info.htm
Jennifer
Thanks Beth! I’ll use this information to get the soil ready for the spring!