Weeds....Eeek! Save my garden please!!!

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by NoviceG, Oct 21, 2011.

  1. NoviceG

    NoviceG Apprentice Gardener

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    Hi

    I've just moved into a flat with a garden. There is a large border whích was full of weeds. I've removed (most of) the weeds and planted lots of bulbs because I want some lovely flowers next spring / summer.

    I've planted crocuses, daffodils and iris and tulips.

    I've put a layer of compost over the bulbs. However, 3 weeks later I can see tiny shoots of what looks like weeds starting to grow. :cry3:They are really tiny at the moment, only about half an inch over the ground.

    I've attached a picture - could anyone please help me identify if these are weeds or not, and how I can get rid of them? It's very difficult trying to pull each tiny one out by hand - is there an easier way? :scratch:

    Also, is there any way I can stop them from appearing? And if they do appear, how dangerous are they for the bulbs I have planted?

    Any advise would be much appreciated!

    Thanks

    Novice G
     

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  2. ARMANDII

    ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

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    Hi NG, weeds are a natural part of all of our gardenss. Some say that the definition of a weed is a plant in the wrong place, but there are some plants you don't want in any place!!

    I would leave the seedlings for the time being as some may be plants that you might like, once identified, a hoe around after you're satisfied that they are weeds will destroy most of them. Some weeds seed prolifically and will be present for some seasons, not counting those that come from other gardens. There are also weeds, like Couch grass, which will multiply from root sections and those will need removing in entirety. I don't think there is a way of permanently banning weeds apart from constant maintenance, but you can get them to such a low level that you're only having to remove the odd one or two.:D
     
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    • gcc3663

      gcc3663 Knackered Grandad trying to keep up with a 4yr old

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      Just take a Dutch Hoe and go over the affected area. Just leave the residue on top to decay.

      The bulbs should be 5" or more uner ground so they won't be affected.

      Don't worry too much about weeds. We all have them.

      In the Spring, once you've Hoed the weeds off again, pack the border with loads of summer bedding. They will keep the weeds down. If they do poke through just pull them out as you see them.

      Wait for next year and enjoy the colour produced by the bedding plants.

      If you intend to plant perennials, do that first and underplant with Bedding plants.

      Good luck.
       
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      • Melinda

        Melinda Gardener

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        *googles Dutch hoe*

        :o:o

        *purges internet history*

        :D


        Hi NG,

        GCC is right, once your perennials are up and established the weeds wont get much of a look in.
        Dont worry too much. 5 mins on a Sunday morning should keep on top of most of it!
         
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        • gcc3663

          gcc3663 Knackered Grandad trying to keep up with a 4yr old

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          This is the Wikipedia description. Googled Dutch Hoe with no problem Melinda.?

          The Dutch hoe (scuffle, action, oscillating, swivel, or Hula-Ho) is a design that is pushed or pulled through the soil to cut weeds just under the surface. Its tool-head is a loop of flat, sharpened strap metal. It is not as efficient as a chopping hoe for pulling or pushing soil.
           
        • *dim*

          *dim* Head Gardener

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          best garden tool in my collection .... never saw these before until I came to the UK .... makes weeding very easy
           
        • Melinda

          Melinda Gardener

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          @ GCC

          lulz!

          I wasnt being serious! :D

          Someone says 'hoe' and I grin, I cant help it!
           
        • gcc3663

          gcc3663 Knackered Grandad trying to keep up with a 4yr old

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          I sometime wear blinkers - it has been known to keep me out of trouble.

          Sadly not this time:cry3:
           
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          • Liz W

            Liz W Gardener

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          • shiney

            shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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            I'd be inclined to let the weeds grow for a short while so that we can identify what they are. It's impossible to identify them whilst they are at the two leaf stage as the first leaves rarely look like the real ones. Leaving them a little longer won't do any harm.
             
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