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Creeping Charlie | (Read 585 times) |
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DaveS
Posts: 2
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May 23, 2007, 07:09:37 PM |
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Hello Everyone,
I live in Chicago. New to the list, but have been a long time organic lawn care fan ... but with moderate results. The lawn has not seen any chemicals since we moved in 14 years ago. I've always mowed long, although at 3" maybe not long enough. I've used ringers in the past but stopped for several years. Last year I added ringers what the bag recommends twice -- once in the spring and once in the fall and again this spring. I water infrequently, some years not at all.
I have some some clover spots, violets and the occasional dandelion that I pick but nothing that really bothers me except ... the creeping charlie. It is getting worse and worse every year. I've tried to remove it last year by using a cavex rake year. But I think it has made it worse. Outside of raising my mower to 4" does anyone have a solution before it takes over my entire lawn!
Thanks,
Dave
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« Last Edit: May 24, 2007, 06:26:03 AM by DaveS »
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paul wheaton
Administrator
Posts: 1471
western WA
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May 25, 2007, 03:30:07 PM |
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Get a soil test. Make sure the test includes pH and boron.
Do you have a lot of shade?
You can beat it by pulling it, but you have to stay on top of it. For me, that would be too much work. I would find some other way. Even if I have to plant a smother crop.
Do you know what kind of grass you are growing?
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DaveS
Posts: 2
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May 29, 2007, 09:40:34 AM |
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Hello Paul,
No I really don't know what type of grass I'm growing. We live in an area with a lot of mature trees. In the the front yard we have a lot of sun and no creeping charlie. In the backyard we have three large pines at 30-40 ft. and have areas with some shade. These shaded areas have a lot of creeping charlie. Also the along raised garden beds, fence lines and my cold frame again in the shade.
You mention testing for boron with my soil test. I've read about using borax to increase the level of boron in the soil to kill creeping charlie. I'm a little nervous about using this technique over dosing the boron and killing everything. I'll contact my extension office to find out about pH testing.
I'm interested in planting a "smother crop", can you explain this further.
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paul wheaton
Administrator
Posts: 1471
western WA
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May 29, 2007, 10:29:05 AM |
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Don't be tossing borax out there until you know what your current boron levels are! And remember, a tiny bit of boron goes a long ways!
Boron, shade and pH can all play roles here. We need more info!
A smother crop is where you toss out some seed for something that is going to outcompete your charlie. Then it conveniently dies - allowing you to plant in your favorite kind of grass.
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