Download Queensland Darling Downs GMI ... - Grow Me Instead

HAND REMOVAL OF WEEDS
Suitable for seedlings, herbaceous weeds, many grass species.
Before starting work, remove and bag
seeds and fruit, and place in bin.
If the weed has a tap root, push a narrow
trowel or long knife deep into the ground
beside the root. Loosen the soil. Work
round the root and then work the plant
out gently.
Many plants which will not regrow from
their roots (e.g. many grasses) can be
crowned: see diagram to the right. Hold
leaves and stems together, and use a knife
to cut through all the roots below the
crowning
‘crown’.
Plants with bulbs, corms or tubers (e.g. Watsonia) may need
deep digging to ensure complete removal. Bag bulbs, corms and
tubers and send to the tip; do not compost.
STEM & LEAF WIPING
This method is suitable for plants with
bulbs, tubers, corms or rhizomes, e.g.
Watsonia.
Remove and bag any seed or fruit.
Using a weed wiper, start at the base
and wipe all the stems and/or leaves
with a dilute mix of herbicide.
If leaves have soil on them, wipers
must be regularly washed out.
Take great care when wiping: do not allow the herbicide to touch
your skin or to run off into the soil, or to get on a non-target plant.
There are many control methods which are specific to certain weeds
– e.g. large infestations where spraying, or covering to exclude light
may be options. Contact your local nursery for up to date techniques.
WHEN TO TREAT WITH HERBICIDE
Apply herbicide when the plant is actively growing.
Do not apply herbicide when the plant is under stress: extreme
heat or cold, drought, waterlogging, or disease.
Choose early morning or late afternoon in summer.
Do not apply when wet or windy weather is anticipated.
Treat deciduous plants in late spring or summer, when in full leaf.
16
leaf wiping