Invasive broad-leaf grass problem - Ask Extension
I am new to PA and was unprepared for this 'weed' problem. I tilled beds for vegetables and herbs. I left 3 ft wide paths between the bends. I plan...
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Invasive broad-leaf grass problem #340234
Asked July 06, 2016, 10:55 PM EDT
I am new to PA and was unprepared for this 'weed' problem. I tilled beds for vegetables and herbs. I left 3 ft wide paths between the bends. I planted and mulched with dried grass clippings. This worked to prevent almost all weeds as it always had where I previously gardened. The terribly problematic exception appears to be a broad-leaf low growing grass-like plant that seems to be spreading by roots and/or runners. I have three questions. What is this 'weed'? What are the best ways to deal with it? Would using 9 inch deep raised beds filled with topsoil solve the problem? My thanks, Rick G.
York County Pennsylvania
Expert Response
Hi,
Would you be able to send a photo of the weed? The weed could be stilt grass, but I cannot be certain unless I see a photo. You could also take a sample of the weed to the York County Extension office.
Would you be able to send a photo of the weed? The weed could be stilt grass, but I cannot be certain unless I see a photo. You could also take a sample of the weed to the York County Extension office.
Nancy, it does not look at all like the japanese stilt grass I found pictures of online. I have attached three pictures. It aggressively invades an area being low (2-3 inches). I think the plant in the 'plucked bunch' picture is also this plant. If so, it starts low and dense and then puts on some inches to become 6-8 inches high. What is this 'weed'? What are the best ways to deal with it? Would using 9 inch deep wood-sided raised beds filled with topsoil solve the problem? My thanks, Rick G
From the photo, it looks like crabgrass. The seeds could have been brought to the surface of the soil when you tilled your garden or they could have been introduced in the grass clippings that you used for mulch. It is important that you remove the grass before it sets seed. You can hand pull the crabgrass or smother it with cardboard, which it looks like you are doing.
Raised beds work well, but make sure you purchase compost or topsoil from a reputable nursery so that you do not introduce other weeds.
Raised beds work well, but make sure you purchase compost or topsoil from a reputable nursery so that you do not introduce other weeds.
Thanks, Nancy. I think I will try raised beds.
Rick G
Rick G
