Question:
I’m fighting a losing battle with Oxalis in my containers and lawn. What is the best way to remove it? I’ve tried hand weeding but it just grows back. Is there a granular weed killer I can use without harming the plants or grass?Answer:
Oxalis, a yellow flowering clover, is an absolutely frustrating weed to control as it perpetuates itself from seeds, roots, and runners. Actually, it is not a true clover but it looks very similar.- The foliage could be green or a maroon color. Hand weeding or cultivating controls the actively growing plants but it doesn't control the dormant seeds. With moisture, the dormant seed germinates and the problem perpetuates itself; hence, the frustration.
- Greenlight Amaze Grass and Weed Preventer or Bonide Crabgrass and Weed Preventer are granular, pre-emergent herbicides that control the dormant seed. These herbicides will not harm rooted plants. In flower beds, containers and the landscape, it’s applied right after cultivating the vegetative plants and runners. It’s also applied right after any new plantings. Water is then applied to set up a chemical barrier that kills the dormant seed for an extended period of time. It continues to work as long as the barrier isn't disturbed. The pre-emergent herbicide should be reapplied with every planting or anytime you cultivate the area.
- In turf, I’d approach the problem differently. I’d applied the pre-emergent first and then come back the next day and spot treat the area with Monterey Lawn and Garden, Turlon Ester to kill the established Oxalis. While there are a number of controls available for Oxalis, Turlon Ester is one of the best. It is best applied with a tank sprayer and you should see results within days. In addition, you apply it when the temperatures are between seventy and eighty-five degrees.
- Controlling Oxalis is a war of attrition. A war that can be won, but you have to be patient.
Note:
These pre-emergent herbicides should not be applied to any turf within six to ten weeks of reseeding.Question:
What kitchen scraps should go into a compost pile? My mom says only uncooked fruit and vegetable scraps while I think anything is fair game including chicken soup.Answer:
Most kitchen wastes are fair game for a compost pile. So cooked and uncooked fruits and vegetables, and yes, even chicken soup that is the solid portion, not the liquid along with coffee grounds and filter could be added.- The items that are always excluded are animal feces from meat eating animals, grease, other fats, and meats. Some kitchen wastes are better disposed of with a disposal unit. With garden trimmings, lawn clippings and solid kitchen wastes,
- I'd use the active(hot/heat) or passive (cold) composting technique or method. If you’re composting with worms then use the wet and dry kitchen wastes only. And finally, to avoid having a mess on your hands let common sense rule when deciding which of the kitchen waste you use.