Question:
This is the time of year that the stubborn, yellow flowering Oxalis insists on spreading throughout our lawn. My attempts at pulling or digging out the main roots seem only to result in spreading the problem. How do I go about getting rid of it?Answer:
- Oxalis, also known as the common yellow wood-sorrel, is a common perennial weed in lawns and gardens.
- Both the green and red leaf varieties have a clover-like shape while the bulbous type has white flowers with long, green strap leaves.
- The bulbous Oxalis is particularly difficult to control while the cloverleaf type is easier.
- You can be successful in manually removing Oxalis from containers; however, it’s a tedious and frustrating task in turf, and frankly, you’re not all that successful.
- Oxalis reproduces itself from seed as well as above and underground stems or rhizomes. After flowering a capsule form that contains several seeds.
- The seed is difficult to identify and is spread by mowing. So, you’ll need to use a herbicide to rid yourself of Oxalis in the turf
- Many herbicides list Oxalis as a control; however, Turflon Ester from Monterey Lawn and Garden does the best job in removing the actively growing plants. One application with a tank sprayer should control the actively growing Oxalis.
- You’ll reapply it as necessary to control those plants from the germinating seeds. I’m not aware of an organic herbicide that will selectively control the Oxalis without damage the desirable grass.
- It’s a war of attrition
Note:
Oxalis is a large genus of flowering plants in the wood-sorrel family comprising about 570 species. Many of the varieties are cultivated and planted in gardens. The flowers are usually white. pink or yellow, and the foliage can be green, purple or red. The traditional Irish shamrock is a variety of Oxalis.Question:
Despite my best efforts, I have a stubborn spider, that continues to build spider webs in the corners of my kitchen window. I don't have anything against spiders, but I do like to have this window open. What can I do to make this spot unattractive to spiders?Answer:
- I'm not sure that I have an excellent answer to the spider problem.
- There are over three thousand varieties of garden spiders. As a group, they are pretty shy, so they tend to run away and steer clear of humans.
- Spiders are, believe it or not, very beneficial in controlling garden insects, so we don’t want to remove them with pesticides.
- Yes, they’re poisonous spiders. The Black Widow Spider poses the only threat in the Bay Area. Spiders trap their food in the cobweb they produce which is formed mostly at night. They continue to revisit this area because it’s an excellent source of food.
- Night flying bugs are also attracted to the windows because of the light. If possible, install a yellow porch light to discourage the insects. Also move any ripening fruit away from the opening, as fruit flies are one of the favorite foods of spiders.
- I hope this helps.