Weed Control

Kinglake Garden Escapee Threats

 

Plants that are known environmental weeds may become a ‘garden escapee’.  Please avoid planting these species, or if you have some of these plants in an existing garden, you can contain their spread by collecting seed heads and disposing of cuttings and clippings carefully.

This page will soon detail plant species which pose a significant threat to Kinglake’s natural environment as they can smother, choke, replace and out-compete native vegetation in our environment.  Check back again soon!  In the meantime, refer to Pest Management in our Caring for Your Patch booklet which you can download here.

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Disposing of Weeds

Weeding is one of the most time consuming and regular activities in the garden and in Kinglake’s high rainfall environment weeds are a regular chore most of the year. Disposing of weedy material incorrectly can spread more weeds, increasing the amount of weed control that is needed.  Composting weeds is not always effective and weed seeds or roots can continue to thrive.

 

There are a range of other options for effectively disposing of weeds, including burning (when it is safe to do so).  Wrapping weeds in black plastic bags and leaving them to solarize over an extended period will eventually kill weedy material including the roots and runners. Soaking weeds in large buckets of water for several weeks can break down the weeds and create a useful weed ‘tea’ that can be a useful organic fertilizer.

 

Avoid storing weeds in piles near the edge of bushland - this is how many garden plants become escapees, creating invasive weeds in our natural environment.

 

Chemicals

Chemicals, such as herbicides and pesticides, can be useful in treating weeds and pests. However, when used incorrectly or without care they can have a harmful impact on both gardens and the natural environment. By reducing the amounts of potentially harmful chemicals, we can minimise the potential for ‘off-target’ damage to desirable plants and useful insects. Many of these insects are important for pollinating food plants and our native flora. Consider what non-chemical pest control methods might be available or less harmful in the long run to plants and soil.  Mulches and organic manures may be a better option than synthetic fertilizers to improve soil condition for garden plants.

 

It is important to consider timing, season and weather when applying chemicals to make sure their use will be effective. Avoid times when wind might blow sprays away or when rain will wash chemicals off surfaces and potentially spread them into nearby waterways. On hot days, plants may be under heat stress, making some herbicides ineffective. Using chemicals to spray some annual weeds after they have set seed can also be an ineffective use of chemicals in the garden.

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Always read the label of any chemicals and only use them according to the instructions on the label. If you are still unsure if a chemical is the best thing to use, seek further advice from garden or farm supplies specialists.  

 

Landcare groups often run short courses in how to use farm chemicals safely, contact us to find out when the next course is scheduled.