Gardening doesn’t stop when winter arrives, and neither do weeds.
In fact, while many plants enter dormancy during these chilly months, several persistent weeds continue to thrive.
Typically sprouting in late summer or fall, these stubborn plants develop compact rosettes that help them survive until spring.
With some consistent and proactive measures, gardeners can tackle many of these winter intruders before they become a nuisance.
Here’s a look at some common winter weeds and helpful strategies for removal.
Bittercress
Bittercress, an annual weed belonging to the Cardamine genus, starts making its presence known as fall sets in.
If not managed early, it can produce seeds that germinate well into late spring.
This resilient weed is widespread across various regions.
To deter its growth, consider laying down a two-inch layer of double-ground mulch, which can effectively stifle new seedlings.
If that doesn’t do the trick, you can easily remove bittercress by hand—just be sure to pull out the entire plant, roots and all, to keep it from coming back.
Chickweed
Chickweed (Stellaria media) is another annual that marks its territory with a flat rosette and delicate, star-shaped white flowers.
While it’s edible and attracts pollinators, chickweed can become unwelcome in your winter garden.
A good layer of double-ground shredded mulch can help suppress its growth.
For those looking for a more hands-on approach, pulling it out manually works well.
Additionally, planting a robust ground cover like creeping thyme can help it outcompete this pesky weed.
Wild Onion
While wild onion (Allium vineale) can add an interesting touch to your garden, its flowering bulbs can quickly turn into an unwelcome problem.
Hand-pulling is the most reliable method for controlling this weed, as other tactics like mowing or spraying are often ineffective.
You might run into deadnettle, also called henbit (Lamium amplexicaule), a winter annual that reproduces via seeds.
Its shallow roots allow for relatively straightforward removal—just be sure to pull up the entire root system to achieve complete success.
This weed, known as slender speedwell (Veronica filiformis), spreads through stolons, making it a persistent presence.
The best way to combat it is manual removal, ensuring you pull out all roots to prevent re-emergence.
Alternatively, covering the area with ground fabric or cardboard can help suppress its growth.
Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea) is infamous for its rapid spread, particularly during milder winters.
To manage this invasive plant, consider planting ground covers such as creeping thyme or Irish moss, which can effectively keep Creeping Charlie at bay in vulnerable areas.
Groundsel (Senecio vulgaris) is another weed that thrives in colder weather.
Early spring is a great time to plant Irish moss, which can create a dense mat that blocks the light groundsel seedlings need to sprout.
By integrating these strategies into your gardening routine, you’ll not only keep winter weeds in check but also promote a healthier garden environment.
With a proactive approach, you can minimize the impact of these stubborn plants and enjoy a more vibrant landscape, even in the cold months.
Source: Marthastewart