Weed Prep Time

Well here it is, almost March 2010. Where does the time go? Days are starting to get longer and warmer, so now is the time to think about weed control.

Cool weather weeds like Chickweed are getting ready to rear their ugly little heads (if they haven't done so already.) I am going to go out next week and sprinkle Preen, a product which keeps seeds from sprouting, everywhere that weeds are a problem. Keep in mind that Preen, or it's generic counterpart, will not hard perennial weeds like dandelions. They come back from the roots every year, so perennial weeds must be either hand cultivated or sprayed with a Round-up product. Chickweed is a perennial with a hairy root rather than a tap root which puts out millions of seeds, so I will have to use both methods of control for this pest.

I can't wait to get started on my outdoor work. Come on, spring!

shel

Plight of the Bumblebee continued

I forgot to add that another reason for bee decline could be the excessive use of pesticides. I try to keep Round-Up usage to a minimum, but I tended to use more this year because of the rapid weed growth. I would never, ever spray if there is an insect present, but farmers don't have that option. Whether death by pesticide is the cause of the shortage of bees or not is hard to tell.

I avoid using insecticides outside as well. If there's a spider around an area where he shouldn't be I either move him with a stick or, if he's particularly evil looking, squish him. Otherwise I don't want to kill outdoor insects. (If I were to find termites, however, all bets are off...spray those bast#$&!!!)

shel