The warm weather months of spring and summer are the perfect time to get outside and work in the yard, but for some, it can also be a time of dread. With warmer temperatures come pesky weeds that can quickly take over your lawn and garden, including one particularly pesky plant: chickweed.
One common problem that many homeowners face when it comes to chickweed is not knowing how to get rid of it in a natural way without damaging the grass or other plants or using harmful chemicals.
Fortunately, there are some natural ways that can be used to eliminate chickweed without killing grass in your yard. Let’s learn more about them.
What is Chickweed and Why Should You Get Rid of It
Chickweed is an invasive weed that can quickly take over your lawn and garden, making it important to get rid of it before it spreads. Chickweed comes in two varieties: common chickweed (Stellaria media) and mouse-eared chickweed (Cerastium vulgatum). Common chickweed is a low-growing annual that prefers moist soil, while mouse-eared chickweed is a perennial that grows in dry soil.
Identify Chickweed & Its Lookalikes
Both varieties of chickweed are easy to identify because they have small, white flowers with five petals and a star-shaped center. The leaves are smooth and oval-shaped, and the stems often root at the nodes when they come into contact with soil.
When it comes to identifying chickweed and its lookalikes, it can be difficult for the untrained eye. While chickweed has small white flowers with five petals and a star-shaped center, there are other plants that can also have similar characteristics. Knowing which plants are actually chickweed and which are not is key to ensuring the removal of chickweed from your lawn. A few common lookalikes include henbit (Lamium amplexicaule), speedwell (Veronica spp.), and corn speedwell (Veronica arvensis).
Damage Caused by Chickweed
The weed can cause extensive damage to your lawn and garden if left unchecked. It spreads quickly, taking over areas where the grass or other plants should be growing. Additionally, chickweed reduces available nutrients for existing plants by competing with them for sunlight and nutrients. If you don’t get rid of chickweed, it can quickly take over your yard.
Natural Ways of Getting Rid of Chickweed
Pulling the Weed Out by Hand
Pulling the weed out by hand is a natural way to get rid of chickweed without using any chemicals. Manual removal is an effective method for controlling small patches of chickweed and preventing further spread. It’s also a great option if you don’t want to use any chemicals or herbicides on your lawn and garden, as it doesn’t introduce any potential toxins into the environment.
Additionally, pulling out the weed prevents further root growth, making it less likely that new plants will come back in their place. Furthermore, this method is fairly easy to do and requires no special tools or expertise.
Removing chickweed when it’s still young is most effective but more mature weeds can still be removed as well with some effort. With some diligence and patience, you should be able to remove all of the visible weeds from your yard so that seedlings have less chance to take over again later in the season.
Smothering with Mulch or Fabric Coverings
Using mulch or fabric coverings to smother chickweed is another natural way to get rid of it without using any harmful chemicals.
To be successful, the fabric should be placed over the entire area that needs to be treated and pressed firmly down into the soil. Then, spread a thick layer of mulch over the fabric to keep it in place. The mulch and fabric should be left in place for at least 6-8 weeks, or until the weeds have completely died off.
This method works by depriving the weed of nutrients and sunlight needed for growth. The mulch or fabric covers create an oxygen-deprived environment that stops the weed’s growth and eventually kills it off completely. Additionally, this method is more effective in preventing soil erosion on sloped lawns since the fabrics hold the soil in place even when wet. Finally, smothering with mulch or fabric also helps keep weeds from spreading further as it prevents seeds from germinating and new shoots from sprouting.
Soil Tilling
Soil tilling is another natural way to get rid of chickweed and stop it from spreading. It involves digging and turning over the soil in order to disrupt the weed’s root system and destroy its established growth.
The process should begin by using a shovel or garden fork to dig up any visible weeds, including their roots. Then, use a hoe or other tool to turn over the soil and expose any dormant weed seedlings.
Finally, rake over the area to break up large clumps of dirt and remove any remaining weeds. This method works best when done regularly as it prevents new weeds from taking root and growing in your lawn or garden.
Using Organic Herbicides and Sprays
Organic herbicides are becoming increasingly popular among gardeners, as they provide an effective way to get rid of pesky weeds like chickweed without introducing potentially harmful chemicals and toxins into the environment. There are a variety of organic herbicides available that can be used to effectively fight off this invasive weed. Here are some of the most common organic herbicides used to control chickweed.
Organic Herbicides for Chickweed Control
• Vinegar – This organic herbicide works by disrupting the pH levels on the leaf surface, causing it to dry out and die.
• Salt – Sprinkling salt over chickweed can also be an effective way to kill it, as salt disrupts the weed’s ability to absorb moisture.
• Boiling Water – Pouring boiling water over chickweed can also be an effective way to get rid of it without using any chemicals or toxins.
• Corn Gluten Meal – This natural herbicide works by preventing seed germination and preventing chickweed from spreading further.
Using organic herbicides and sprays is a great way to naturally get rid of chickweed without introducing any dangerous chemicals or toxins into the environment. This method works by targeting only the weed while leaving other surrounding plants unharmed. Organic herbicides are also less likely to harm beneficial insects like bees, butterflies, and ladybugs which often help keep weeds in check naturally.
Additionally, many organic herbicides can work both as a pre-emergent and post-emergent, meaning that they can be used to prevent and kill existing weed growth simultaneously. Finally, this method is more cost-effective than using manual labor for removal since it requires fewer trips around the yard with a sprayer or spreader.
By utilizing these natural methods and following some simple steps for prevention, you can effectively get rid of chickweed in your yard without resorting to chemical-based solutions. With a bit of effort, you can keep this invasive weed from taking over and ruining your garden or lawn!
FAQs about Controlling Chickweed
How do I get rid of chickweed without killing my grass?
To get rid of chickweed without killing your grass, you can manually remove it by digging up the roots or using a weeding tool. You can also use boiling hot water to steam away the weed and its root systems.
How does vinegar get rid of chickweed?
Vinegar is a natural herbicide that can be used to kill off chickweed in your lawn or garden. Make sure to wear protective gear while applying as vinegar is a strong acid that can irritate skin and eyes. Spray until thoroughly saturated, making sure not to spray other plants in the process.
How do I permanently get rid of Chickweed?
The best way to permanently get rid of Chickweed is by blocking out sunlight from reaching it – either with mulch, ground cover plants, plastic sheeting, or any material that creates an effective barrier. If you don’t have access to materials like these, you may need to spot-treat affected areas with herbicides, but be careful not to harm desirable vegetation nearby.
How do I get rid of chickweed in flower beds?
To get rid of chickweed in flower beds, you can dig up the weed and its roots or use a weeding tool. You can also use hot water to steam away the weed and its root systems. If all else fails, consider using an appropriate herbicide to eliminate the problem without harming your plants.
Why do I have so much chickweed this year?
Chickweed is an annual weed that thrives in moist conditions and prefers rich, organic soils. It will grow best when temperatures are cool and soil moisture levels are high, making it a real problem in shaded areas or those areas that don’t get enough sun to dry out the topsoil.
Does Roundup work on chickweed?
Yes, Roundup does work on chickweed but be sure to only use it as directed by the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure not to spray any desirable plants nearby as Roundup can kill them as well.
Is there a pre-emergent for chickweed?
Yes, pre-emergents such as Preen or Dimension can be used to prevent chickweed from germinating in the first place. They should be applied before any sign of chickweed appears and repeated every few weeks to maintain effectiveness.
What post-emergent kills chickweed?
Post-emergent herbicides such as Ortho Weed B Gon or Roundup can be used to kill existing chickweed. Be sure to only use them as directed by the manufacturer and avoid spraying any desirable plants nearby, since they could also be affected.
By understanding what chickweed is and how it grows, you can take steps to prevent it from taking over your lawn and garden. By employing natural methods like manually removing the weed, as well as pre and post-emergent herbicides, you can successfully get rid of chickweed for good.
Now that you know about controlling chickweed, make sure to take the necessary steps this season to ensure that it doesn’t take over your lawn or garden.
