Waukesha County Home

By Catherine Jozwik Special to Waukesha County Home Besides being lawn eyesores, Wisconsin weeds, such as creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea, also known as ground ivy) and broadleaf plaintain, usurp nutri- ents from flowers and other plants. Weeds tend to grow the most in the spring and early summer. Polli- nators like birds and bees, along with wind blowing seeds into yards, help spur weed growth. Area experts can provide garden- ers with tips and advice to make weeding as painless as possible. Stacy Levenhagen, owner of Pewaukee landscape company Wis- lawn, recommends weeding early in the day to beat afternoon heat, and weeding after rain showers. "Often, if the soil is still damp, the roots of weeds will easily pull out," she said. Levenhagen said that spending just 15 to 20 minutes a day weeding "can do wonders for keeping garden weeds at bay." "My best advice for weeding is to set a time limit and area that you want to accomplish clearing," she added. Levenhagen recommends wearing sunscreen, a hat, and gloves made of sturdy material, and using insect spray. Gardeners should drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. "Listen to music, a podcast, or recorded book to pass the time," she added. Many herbicides contain chemi- cals toxic to humans and animals. These days, gardeners can choose from several environmentally friendly methods and products that inhibit weed growth or kill weeds altogether. For example, mulching or using organic or inor- ganic materials such as grass clip- pings, newspaper and plastic as a soil covering can help prevent weed growth in flower and veg- etable gardens. "Mostly, we encourage people to mulch in vegetable gardens," said Kristin Krokowski, commercial horticulture educator for the Uni- versity of Wisconsin Extension in Waukesha County. C O N T E N T S How to attract hummingbirds to your yard When temperatures rise, keep your cooling bills low Tips on updating your home's exterior A publication of the Waukesha Freeman and Oconomowoc Enterprise • JULY 2019 Getting a grip on weeds Catherine Jozwik/Special to Waukesha County Home Weeds can rob desired plantings of nutrients. There are various methods of controlling weeds, but experts say just keeping after them 10-15 minutes daily is one of the best ways to handle the chore. Pros give advice on making weeding go easier See WEEDING, Page 2

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