Can someone please tell me how to get rid of this Virginia buttonweed without pesticides?? I’m trying to grow a native backyard and get my soil healthier so I can also plant vegetables next spring. I understand this WEED is native, but it’s absolutely ruining my soil. I really don’t want to use chemicals as it’s terrible and money spent. Are there ANY other Georgia native ground covers that can outcompete this?? Or what should I do?
by meadowmushroomie
6 Comments
Manual remove. It’s a perennial, rhizomatous & grows a taproot. You’re always going to be removing it, if you’re dead set on no herbicides.
Without herbicides (pesticides kill bugs) you don’t.
It spreads with both seeds and rhizomes so unless you are prepared to kill and solarize the entire area it will keep coming back. With out chemical intervention all you can do it keep it knocked back by pulling it out on a continuous basis
I would try asking on r/NativePlantGardening as they are incredibly knowledgeable about native plants specific to different regions
Yeah, you’re not likely to find anything that will out compete it. If you’re going to do vegetables anyway, why not sheet mulch the area now?
What part of your soil is being ruined by the buttonweed? Have you tried mowing high or limiting water? Buttonweed typically needs high soil volumetric water content.
Weed wack it to the ground.
Put in raised garden for veggies, section spaces out.
Put some native plant plugs into spaces. May need to amend soil.
Anytrees or bushes interested in planting?
These more substantial plants will help limit the non- wanted plants.
Praire Moon, online nursery may have info about native plants.
Asclepias tuberosa is an economical plant started from seed anytime, no need for cold moist stratification. Can purchase seeds in moist big box plant/ diy stores.
Water in container, placed in hot sun, usually will give fast germination. Place outside, deep containers, or whatever. It is awesome plant.
Butterfly weed is common name.
Butterfly weed https://share.google/vyBk2luFKkC9r3Hh6