How Can I Control Chickweed?

Do you want to try controlling chickweed with cultural control methods?

Do you want to control chickweed with cultivation?

Do you want to control chickweed with solarization?

Do you want to control chickweed with mulches?

Do you want to try controlling chickweed with chemical control methods?

Do you want to try controlling chickweed with preemergent herbicides?

Cultivation, including hand weeding, will effectively control chickweed if done early. It is most effective if the soil is dry and plants are small. Cultivation when plants are large and soil is moist can lead to the spread of the weed through re-rooting. Under this situation, the weeded debris should be removed. Chickweed germination decreases with the depth of the seed. Turning the soil over can reduce seed germination, but may also bring other weed seeds closer to the surface. Monitor the soil surface for chickweed seedlings throughout late fall and winter and then remove them by shallow cultivation or by hand pulling.

Solarization using clear plastic mulch is a method of heating the soil to temperatures lethal to seeds and other pests. It is an effective method for controlling many annual weeds including chickweeds. If solarization is done in late summer and the soil is not disturbed, subsequent winter crops can develop a canopy and become more competitive before other winter weeds germinate.

Using an organic mulch such as wood chips, at least two inches deep, will reduce the number of weed seeds germinating by limiting light and serving as a physical barrier. Synthetic mulches such as landscape fabrics may also be used. In landscaped areas, they should be covered with an additional layer of mulch (rock or bark) to reduce deterioration of the fabric by UV radiation. Vegetable gardens also can utilize black plastic, both as mulch into which seeds or transplants are placed and also between rows.

In turf, the primary method of control is to maintain a thick vigorous lawn. This will prevent chickweed seedlings from getting established. Deep, infrequent irrigation also discourages chickweed infestations. Follow fertilization guidelines as recommended for a particular turf species and avoid overapplication of nitrogen.

Nonchemical controls are the safest method for weed control in home gardens and landscapes, only when cultural control methods cannot be used, herbicides may be an alternative. Preemergent herbicides must be applied before weed seeds germinate. Therefore, they are most effective if applied in late fall or early winter. It is important to follow the label directions regarding the application method.

Nonchemical controls are the safest method for weed control in home gardens and landscapes, only when cultural control methods cannot be used, herbicides may be an alternative. Post-emergent herbicides are applied to weeds after they have emerged from the soil. These are most effective when applied to weed seedlings. Post-emergent products will injure any susceptible plant, including desired plants. Information regarding plant safety and appropriate use of the herbicide can be found on the product label.

Other than grazing by sheep and birds, there are no commercially available biocontrol agents for the chickweed species.